Surgery Healed Her Arms. Freedom Restored Her Spirit

A natural fiber broom and an open flame for cooking are common in most Filipino kitchens—especially in the remote village where Jocy lives in the Philippines.

When Jocy’s mom, Judith, left to fetch water, a curious older sister mixed the two. The ensuing fire destroyed the house and permanently changed Jocy, just 18 months old at the time.

Their local hospital treated her burns—which extended across her back and down her arms—as best they could. It wasn’t enough. Within six months, Jocy’s arms began to contract until her forearms and fingers were fused to her upper arms. Her movement was so restricted that she couldn’t bathe, dress herself, or write on her own.

Jocy’s family of corn farmers couldn’t afford the many surgeries it would take to restore mobility to her arms—meaning Jocy would likely never realize her dream of going to school, riding a bike, or living independently.

Whenever she was mocked for the way she looked, she’d say, “It’s ok. I’m having surgery soon!” Whenever she found spare coins around the house, she’d exclaim, “We have 20 pesos. Let’s have my surgery so I can go to school!” Twenty pesos is less than 50 cents.

The next three years went by with no hope of surgery. This story is about making impossible things possible, which is what happens when partners like you say “yes” to helping kids like Jocy heal with CURE.

A Dream Restored

After a neighbor shared the news that Tebow CURE Children’s Hospital of the Philippines could provide surgical care at no cost to the family, Jocy made the hours-long journey with her mom and aunt.

As she entered the hospital, the lifetime of pain she’d already lived was visible. So was her spirited determination to receive the life-changing surgery she always believed she’d have. The operating room within a CURE hospital has been called a holy place, a place where God’s people demonstrate the gospel by restoring the broken and serving children made vulnerable by disability.

Dr. Tim Mead, who led the surgeries to successfully restore mobility to Jocy’s arms, agrees. “Surgery is where I live,” he says. “Part of the way I worship is doing what God called me to do.”

A Girl Transformed

After her surgeries, when Jocy was officially cleared to return home, she could shovel sand, throw a ball, and draw a picture. “My arms are straight!” she exclaimed. Today, Jocy is a girl transformed. She now rides a bike, attends school, and dreams of becoming a doctor someday.

She says, “I want to help other children with disabilities just as I have been helped.” This is the kind of transformation you make possible with every gift to CURE. CUREkids like Jocy are free today because you followed God’s call to give. Thank you!