In a heartwarming tale of hope and healing, a skilled British surgeon aboard the Global Mercy ship performed a remarkable operation to remove a life-threatening tumor from a baby named Memunatu. This incredible growth, which had developed since she was just five months old, was alarmingly large—almost as big as her entire face.

Memunatu’s mother, Aminata, faced a challenging journey. After seeking help at a local hospital in Sierra Leone, she was told that her baby was too young for surgery. As time passed and Memunatu turned ten months old, Aminata's worries deepened. However, a chance encounter with a compassionate volunteer from Mercy Ships changed everything.

The Global Mercy was docked in Freetown, and the dedicated medical team recognized the urgency of Memunatu's condition. They understood that the tumor could potentially suffocate her, so they offered to perform the necessary surgery at no cost. Aminata expressed her fears, saying, “I was very worried for my child. She’s so little for such a condition.”

Earlier this year, Memunatu was welcomed on board, where she was prepared for a meticulous four-hour surgery led by Dr. Leo Cheng, a Maxillofacial Head and Neck Surgeon from Royal London Hospital. Thanks to Dr. Cheng’s expertise, the surgery was a success, saving Memunatu’s life.

Initially, the tumor had been misdiagnosed as a cold symptom, but its rapid growth soon became undeniable. It was during a visit to a children's hospital that Aminata met Anne-Marie Van Tonder, a Mercy Ships volunteer from South Africa. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, Anne-Marie referred them for surgery on the ship.

Dr. Cheng later confirmed that without the surgery, Memunatu's condition would have worsened, severely affecting her ability to swallow, eat, speak, or even cry. The medical team worked diligently, ensuring that Memunatu’s airway was carefully managed during the anesthesia process. Dr. Cheng described the surgery as a slow but positive experience, saying, “With every single millimeter I was estimating, calculating, and trying to prevent any bleeding. Thank God it went well.”

Following the successful operation, both Memunatu and Aminata stayed on the ship until her swelling subsided and she fully recovered. Weeks later, back at home, Memunatu's neck had healed beautifully.

A joyful moment came when Anne-Marie reflected on Memunatu’s recovery: “When she was discharged, it was such a great joy for me to see Memunatu’s face. The tumor had grown so fast, almost the size of her head, hiding her beautiful face… her eyes were so full of light and joy.”

Since its launch, the Global Mercy ship has provided over 3,630 free surgeries in sub-Saharan Africa, transforming the lives of countless individuals suffering from treatable conditions. Aminata expressed her gratitude, stating, “If not for this surgery that Mercy Ships did for my child, she would have lost her life.”

This inspiring story is a testament to the power of compassion and medical innovation, reminding us of the goodness that exists in the world.