Skip to content

All he wanted was to wear shoes

Six-year-old Abubakarr loved running and playing with his friends. But born with an extra toe on each foot, there was one simple thing he couldn't do: wear shoes like the other children.

Country Freetown, Sierra Leone
Age 6
Treatment Reconstructive plastic surgery

Video

Video

Meet Abubakarr

Abubakarr lives in Kabala, Sierra Leone. After losing his mother when he was five, his grandmother Adama stepped in to care for him.

His family describes him as smart, playful and welcoming, with the natural confidence of a little leader.

He has a good heart and he’s very friendly.
Muminatu · Abubakarr's aunt
  • Raised by his grandmother Adama, Abubakarr is known by his family for his big personality, warm hugs and love of being around other children.

Raised by his grandmother Adama, Abubakarr is known by his family for his big personality, warm hugs and love of being around other children.

From shoes he couldn't wear to steps forward

For Abubakarr, shoes were a painful reminder of being different. He would watch his classmates wearing theirs and ask his grandmother:

“Grandma, look at all my classmates wearing shoes, but I can’t.”

Aboard the Global Mercy™, reconstructive surgery changed what came next. After two weeks of rehabilitation, Abubakarr was back on his feet, building his strength, balance and confidence.

SLG241202_ABUBAKAR_SLG09569_AFTER_MVP001_HI-MID.jpg
He runs, plays football with friends, and doesn’t fall anymore.”
Adama · Abubakarr's grandmother

Help make another child's next step possible

For Abubakarr, surgery meant more than being able to wear shoes. It meant running, playing football with his friends and moving forward with new confidence.

Around the world, many children are still waiting for access to the surgical care they need. Your gift can help bring life-changing surgery and the care that follows within reach, giving more children the chance to move forward with their lives.

Help make the next story possible.

Donate to children like Abubakarr

Donate to children like Abubakarr