When siblings 15-year-old Arla and 9-year-old Elidiot arrived on the Africa Mercy, their father, Christophe, made a request. He asked the communications team to photograph them holding hands, once before surgery and again after, so he could show his community how far they had come.
The request came after Christophe spent years searching unsuccessfully for help for his children while wondering whether anything would change.
When Arla was still a toddler, her parents noticed that her legs were curving outward. The condition worsened as she grew older, and the family began searching for solutions. A traditional healer suggested a treatment, but Arla’s parents worried about the effectiveness, and they continued to search for other options.
A few years later, when their son Elidiot started walking, he also showed signs of bowed legs.
Having two children with the same condition was overwhelming for the family. Arla and Elidiot faced daily challenges that others in their community couldn’t understand.
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“After waking up, they need some time to rest before they can start walking, not like most people who can just get up in the morning and go,” he said.
Walking long distances was difficult, and they often experienced pain. While some in their community felt sympathy, others teased and mocked them.
One day Christophe heard about a hospital ship offering free surgeries in Madagascar. When he heard the announcement, the family took a chance and brought Arla and Elidiot to Mercy Ships’ screening,, where they were given an appointment for surgery on the Africa Mercy.
When they arrived, Christophe asked the question that had been weighing on him for years: Could his children’s condition be inherited?
Dr. Belén Carsi, a volunteer pediatric orthopedic surgeon, explained that in some cases, nutrition can play a role, saying, “[Their case] is pointing towards dietary deficiencies. They lack vitamin D and other nutrients. And this is why their bones bent.”
Just as they had faced challenges together, the brother and sister walked the path of healing side by side, from surgery to rehabilitation, sometimes competing over their own progress.
After surgery, seeing them walk with straight legs, Christophe began to imagine changes in their daily lives, especially at school.
“I truly believe they will no longer be late for school,” he said. “They used to be late all the time because of their bowed legs. They’ll be able to play with their friends at school without feeling embarrassed.”
As the family prepared to return home, Christophe also looked forward to celebrating together.
“We must celebrate together, my children, the family, and the community,” he said. “Without the Mercy Ships staff, none of this would have happened. I really want to thank them for taking care of us.”