When siblings, fifteen-year-old Arla and nine-year-old Elidiot arrived on the Africa Mercy®, their father, Christophe, made a quiet 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 moment came after years of searching for help, weighing treatments with which they did not feel comfortable, and wondering whether anything would change for their children.
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 that involved stretching her legs using a wooden frame. But the idea did not convince Arla’s parents, and they continued to hope and search for other options.
A few years later, when their son Elidiot started walking, he also showed signs of bowlegs.
Having two children with the same condition was overwhelming for the family. Christophe wondered whether it could be inherited, though he was unsure where it might have come from.
Dr. Belén Carsi, a volunteer paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, explained that in some cases, nutrition can play a role.
“This is pointing towards dietary deficiencies,” she said. “They lack vitamin D and other nutrients. And this is why their bones bent.”
Arla and Elidiot faced daily challenges, as Christophe explained.
“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.
In 2025, Christophe heard on the radio that families could register for free surgeries offered by Mercy Ships. When he heard the announcement, the family took a chance and brought Arla and Elidiot for screening, and later to the hospital ship for surgery.
Healing Side by Side
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.
This kind of rivalry, which Dr. Carsi described as “good,” is often seen among siblings recovering together, and even among children who are not related but share the same journey.
“You see, one starts early, the other one would follow. And we can try to recreate a little bit of the familiar, by putting them side by side, and having their families with them,” she said.
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 bowlegs. 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.”
The photos Christophe had hoped for were finally real. Arla and Elidiot stood side by side, hand in hand, now carrying a different story back home.
Stories like Arla’s and Elidiot’s are made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Help bring free, life-changing surgeries to children and families still waiting for care. Learn how you can get involved.
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