Yaya's Story

Yaya on Dr Frank's lap

It took some doing to get Yaya on the ship for surgery.  He didn't believe that he could really be healed.
Yaya's grandmother takes care of him and brought him to the ship at the urging of Mercy ship staff.
Dr. Frank did the surgery, and Yaya was put in a body cast.

Yaya is one determined seven year old!  It wasn't long before he was getting around any way he could!
He was recasted many times.  Each time, the casts got smaller and more manageable.

Yaya helping remove a cast

Yaya and his bike

It was a common sight to see Yaya riding the bike  up and down the halls of the hospital.  Because of the casts, he couldn't ride with the legs on the pedals, so he used his hands!

Yaya liked to help in the hospital.  He counted out supplies in Susu, French and English and helped deliver them to the wards.  He's a fast learner, and always is smiling!

The good news is that after many weeks, Yaya went home with his grandmother, and is now able to walk.  The hospital staff misses him, but we rejoice that Yaya has been healed.

Debbie