Wonderful in Malawi
In many communities, clubfoot is unfamiliar, and therefore deeply alarming. For Abel and Mary, things were no different.
When their son Wonderful was born with clubfoot in both feet, they were overwhelmed with a flurry of fears. Will he ever be able to walk, run or play like other children? What will our neighbors think? How will our community view our child?
A midwife who attended Wonderful’s birth referred the family to a Hope Walks partner clinic. The family’s fears were eased when they met their parent advisors and clinicians, who explained clubfoot and the possibility of gentle, non-surgical treatment.
Though the journey wasn’t without challenges, Abel and Mary never gave up. With endless patience, they persevered through weekly clinical visits—and their patience was rewarded.
Gradually, Wonderful’s feet began to straighten. Consistent treatment with casts and braces meant his feet became fully corrected. Today, Wonderful walks, runs and plays just like the other children.
“Seeing Wonderful walk without any problem gives us so much joy,” said his mother, Mary. “We now believe he can do anything in life.”
Written by Sarah Mummert
(left) Wonderful before treatment began, and in casts (right)