Ann Marielle’s Story: How She Found Hope and Healing
Hello June 21st, 2024
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When offered medical intervention that would change her life forever, Ann Marielle, a resilient girl from the Philippines, and her mother, Maricel, traveled 12 hours from their small island to the city to get treatment for her bowed legs. The 14-year-old girl endured not only a grueling trip across the country but also two complex surgeries at Tebow CURE Children's Hospital.
Maricel noticed her daughter’s curved legs when Ann Marielle started walking around two years old. At first, she didn't think much of it, but as Ann Marielle grew older, the condition became more noticeable, and it became harder for her to walk.
On her small island in the Philippines, local doctors were unable to provide the medical care Ann Marielle needed due to the complexity of her condition. Desperate to help her daughter, Maricel hoped that applying pressure to Ann Marielle’s legs through traditional massages would help correct the alignment. But ultimately, this didn’t work.
“Although it is painful for me, I choose to overlook their actions because I realize that I cannot manage how others view me,” Ann Marielle said.
One day, Maricel heard that Tebow CURE was planning to hold a mobile clinic near their home. This was her chance to get Ann Marielle the attention she desperately needed.
"I was initially hesitant when I learned about Tebow CURE since it is far from our island. Transportation was never an issue because the local government unit would support us. What concerned me was knowing that I would leave my two other children at home, a seven-year-old and one also with a disability. My husband died a year ago, and I worried no one would look out for my children".
Because they lived far away from the hospital, another concern was where they would stay.
Thankfully, Maricel decided to embark on the journey that would change her daughter’s life. In God’s provision, they also got connected to an organization that provides housing for patients who come from different provinces, and neighbors stepped up to watch the other two children during their absence.
After arriving at Tebow CURE, Ann Marielle received clearance from the pediatrician and underwent two successful surgeries, one in March 2023 for her right leg and the other in September 2023 for her left.
Recovery wasn’t easy. Ann Marielle experienced significant pain and faced setbacks in learning to walk again, but she persevered with strength and courage. The compassionate staff at Tebow CURE helped her manage pain and encouraged her when she faced challenges. The team was also able to share the good news of the Gospel with Ann Marielle while at the hospital. In physical therapy, she worked diligently to strengthen her muscles with the goal of restoring her leg’s full functionality.
In September, Ann Marielle underwent surgery to correct her left leg. The operation was successful, and in November, she was able to have her post-surgery cast removed. She has transitioned to wearing a leg brace while her bones heal and is able to put partial weight on her leg.
We’re grateful to share that today, Ann Marielle is home with her family and continuing to heal. She will return to Tebow CURE with her mother soon for a follow-up appointment. We look forward to seeing how her healing journey has progressed!
Despite facing several adversities at a very young age, Ann Marielle never gave up. We’re grateful Maricel advocated for her daughter and sought out clinical care for her at Tebow CURE.
We are so grateful God allows us to be a small part of helping make incredible stories of transformation, like Ann Marielle’s, possible.
Will you help us provide life-changing medical care to more precious children around the globe?
