Fortuné came into this world sooner than expected. The premature baby spent the first few weeks of his life in an incubator. Due to his underdeveloped lungs, Fortuné received oxygen through a tube in his nose. He gradually gained strength until he was healthy enough to go home with his parents.
Several months later, his parents noticed that there was something wrong with the appearance of Fortuné’s nose. A medical examination revealed that the cartilage in his nose had been damaged due to improper insertion of the oxygen tube. The doctor said that there was a chance that the problem would correct itself, but for the time being, there was nothing that could be done.
Six years later, Fortuné’s misshapen nose had become more noticeable, and it was causing problems. His nose would sometimes run uncontrollably. At times he had trouble breathing, which affected his level of physical activities. On the playground, Fortuné became an object of ridicule. The other children made fun of him, calling him names.
As a result, the little boy became very self-conscious and frustrated. Fortuné discovered that the quickest way to end the taunts was to respond with aggression. This led to frequent fistfights. Consequently, Fortuné’s parents were summoned to regular meetings with the school’s principal – giving the family a rather unfavorable reputation.
Abou, Fortuné’s father, understood the difficulties his son was facing. “Fortuné, being the age he is, is aware of the deformity of his nose,” he explained. “Many times he comes home upset and angry. As a father, I feel very bad. A son is supposed to resemble his father and mother, but because of his nose, people say bad things about our entire family.”
Over the years, Fortuné’s parents had sought help at several hospitals. Some doctors said that Fortuné was too young for the problem to be corrected. Other doctors stated that there was no possible solution. Abou, desperate to help his son, was even considering spending the family savings to seek medical help in Europe.
Then, one night, while watching television, Abou saw an advertisement about Mercy Ships. A few weeks later, Fortuné was examined by Dr. Tertius Venter, a South African plastics surgeon serving with Mercy Ships. The prognosis was positive – Fortuné would finally receive surgery, and his family was delighted.
The relatively simple and quick operation was a success. After his surgery, Fortuné lay in a hospital bed onboard the Mercy Ship, carefully examining his new nose with a small mirror. Despite some swelling and the presence of stitches, he could see a difference. The mirror also revealed the big smile on his face.
Though he will require further surgery when he is a teenager, the intelligent and strong-willed Fortuné will have some respite from the daily jeering at school. Likewise, his breathing will be easier, and he will be able to control the running of his nose. “Fortuné is old enough to remember what life was like before the surgery,” said Abou, referring to his son’s newfound appreciation for life. “That is good. I know that he will be happy.”
Mercy Ships has brought hope and healing to a father, a mother, and a son – all who were desperately searching for it. “I pray that God may strengthen the team of Mercy Ships and give you wisdom and more love,” Abou concluded.
Written by Richard Brock
Edited by IOC Editing Team
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