The LIFE Project

Esther sat by her morning fire, shucking corn, her children gathered around her.  All except Annie.  As soon as our vehicle stopped, Annie came running from across the field, from her LIFE Preschool to greet us.  We exchanged smiles, greetings and hugs.

Annie is a 5-year old girl attending one of our LIFE preschools.  When she was 3 months old, she was burned badly on the upper side of her body.  At the time she was being looked after by a three-year old sibling while her mom was fetching water and her dad worked in the fields.

Inadequate medical care resulted in Annie’s upper arm fusing to her body, as well as to her lower-arm. She couldn’t wear any clothes with sleeves and had almost no use of her arm.

Through the LIFE team, Annie was referred to Dr Goran Jovic, a plastic surgeon.  He works on cases like Annie’s for free and we were thrilled when she was accepted as a candidate for surgery.

Since then, Annie has had two surgeries and hours of physiotherapy.  She brought tears to many eyes with her brave and fighting attitude.  No matter how painful it all was, her bright smile kept coming back.

I have seen Annie about 7 months ago, right before her second surgery.  To see her in the village on Friday was simply amazing.  The bright smile has not changed (except that she lost a tooth and was too shy to give a “toothy” smile!).  But her arm has improved incredibly.  Whereas before it was thin and weak, it is now the same size as the other arm – muscles developed!  It was such a joy to see her use her arm during a preschool lesson later in the morning!

Annie is scheduled to see Dr Goran again next week, where her progress will be assessed, and possible further surgery will be discussed.  Keep this brave little girl in your prayers!