A New View of Scars: Windy’s Story

Windy, one of our burn patients, is famous for his mischievous and utterly charming personality… and we love him!

It’s easy to locate our eleven-year-old namako (the Malagasy word for friend). Just walk through the ward door and listen for the laughter. It’s a fact of life that Windy is rarely ever at his bed – he’s usually playing with someone else. And that “Someone Else” is usually another burn patient named Fandresena.

They are best friends, bound by natural compatibility and a common understanding of each other’s pain. They are a heart-warming reminder of how our patients receive the benefits of friendship and support, both from other patients and crew members.

As you walk up to him, the boy raises his arms for a huge hug… before wickedly smiling and promptly stealing one of the two stickers that you have on your face after your visit to the rehab tent. With great delight, he pops the sticker onto his own face. He then proceeds to jabber away at you in English. He’s been learning fast. In fact, on a couple of occasions, we’ve even used him as a mini-translator.

You would never guess that this boy with the sunny disposition has experienced something terrible. His face and arms tell a sad story. His skin is discoloured, uneven, raised, and grazed – beginning on his left cheek and snaking down his left arm. There is a patch on his head that should have hair, but doesn’t. He has limited movement in his arm and cannot straighten it.

Three years ago, he was sleeping at home. Alone. The electricity had gone out, so a candle had been lit instead. Unfortunately, the candle was too close to the mosquito net that enclosed Windy.

Hot, merciless flames created the story that we now see.

When people saw the house on fire, they came to his rescue. Thank God! His mother, Clotilda, said, “We owe his life to many people. I was really, really scared.”

Clotilda was fearful for her child. Finding someone who could cure him was a problem. Money was a problem. His injury carved deep scars, both on his body and in his family’s hearts.

Windy loves playing football, basketball and rugby – basically anything that involves being active and rowdy. The fact that his arm prevented him from doing those things was really difficult for him to accept. His arm also prevented him from achieving his BIG dream – to shoot a basketball.

He was often stuck at home in front of the TV, and his friends missed their charming playmate. They visited him every now and again, before leaving to play the games he could no longer enjoy.

It turns out that watching TV changed his life. His family heard the news about Mercy Ships and its free reconstructive plastic surgical program. With a radiant smile, Clotilda recalls, “This made me feel really happy.”

One trip and a Mercy Ships appointment card later, Windy was in our wards, making mischief and recovering from a procedure that allowed him to straighten his arm again.

It was an honor for us to witness a special moment in our friend’s life… the moment when his BIG dream finally came true. On his first day of trying, Windy shot a basketball… and he scored… multiple times! We, his loyal fans, rejoiced with him.

Now, Windy sees his scars in a different way. Stacia Julian, ward nurse and plastics team leader, says, “We teach the nurses and day-crew that the scars don’t tell a sad story. Instead, they tell one of overcoming and surviving, and that the Lord has great and big plans for their life. This is what we teach and reinforce to the patients when they ask us questions about their scars – that they would look at them and see beauty and life, not uneven discolouration.”

That is the heart of the plastics program, and the heart of Windy’s story.

Other Blog Posts

The Woman Who Forged Her Way Through Walls: Florence Bangura’s Story

Florence’s journey from oldest to newest Mercy Ship came full circle when she met the Global Mercy™ in 2023, the same year that the purpose-built hospital ship began welcoming its patients on board. Today, you can find Florence, now 49 years old, down in the engine room as a hotel engineering assistant.

Transforming Sierra Leone’s Healthcare: A Vision for Safe and Affordable Surgery

As experts from the surgical and healthcare world gather for the 64th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of the West African College of Surgeons in Sierra Leone this week, a profound dedication to advancing surgical knowledge and practice in the region is palpable. At the forefront of discussions lies the conference’s pivotal theme: access to safe and affordable surgical and anesthetic care in West Africa. This theme highlights the pressing need to address disparities in healthcare capabilities and capacities across the region, especially the critical importance of equitable access to quality surgical interventions.

The Africa Mercy Arrives in Madagascar to Bring Hope and Healing Anew

Freshly refitted hospital ship, the upgraded Africa Mercy® has arrived at the island nation to build on the charity’s longstanding collaboration and will provide specialized surgeries in various fields, including maxillofacial and ear nose and throat, general, pediatric specialized general, pediatric orthopedic, cataract surgery, and reconstructive plastics. 

Reuniting with Vanya, Years After Surgery

In 2015, in an operating room on board the Africa Mercy while docked in Madagascar, the course of Vanya’s life changed.
Years have now passed since Vanya’s journey toward healing. In the time since, her improved ability to walk allowed her to return to school, where she loved studying environmental science and learning about the world around her.

Christmas-Thank You Message from Darryl Anderson

Darryl Anderson shares his thank you message after Christmas to express his gratitude for your support and dedication to our mission.

Kadidja: A Future as Bright as her Smile

At Mercy Ships Canada, we serve those who have lost hope, bringing healing and transformation. Our volunteers, inspired by their faith, work selflessly to perform surgeries that renew not only bodies but also faith and hope. This Christmas, be a part of the miracle by making a donation to Mercy Ships Canada. Your contribution will help renew faith and offer a second chance at life. Together, we can make a significant impact on those who have suffered for too long.