With the Herd: How Surgery Transformed William and His Family
Growing up in the remote, open pastures dotting Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, William spent his days on the move. He was born into a Maasai pastoralist family that leads a nomadic lifestyle centered around herding livestock.
So, naturally, when little William’s legs began to bend outward at the knees, a condition called bowed legs, his parents were alarmed. Movement was life in their family. They sought help from a traditional healer, but his condition worsened, drawing taunts from other children and stares from strangers.
“I don’t like it when kids think I can’t do things just because my legs are bowed,” William shared. “It makes me sad.”
As his condition worsened, his family became more concerned about his safety. With little to no specialized healthcare accessible, despair began to set in.
“When he is out of the house, we fear that he might get hurt, especially with the livestock he loves to herd in the plains. We would love to see him living a normal life like our other kids,” Tumpes, William’s dad, shared.
So when they learned a CURE mobile clinic was visiting near William’s school, they were overjoyed. After an evaluation, he was referred to CURE Kenya—more than 150 miles from his home—where he could receive life-changing surgery at no cost to his family, thanks to the generosity of donors.
A Life-Changing Surgery
William and Tumpes set out on the lengthy trip to CURE Kenya, excited for William to receive the life-changing surgical care he had been longing for. But when they arrived, doctors determined that he was not healthy enough for surgery.
This is a common occurrence for patients who come to CURE for treatment—that’s why nutritional support is part of the comprehensive care we offer at every hospital. Doctors put William on a nutrition plan to build his strength, and when he was ready, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Chelsea performed surgery to straighten his legs.
While William was undergoing surgery, Tumpes was experiencing a transformation of his own. One of CURE’s ministry team members prayed with him and shared God’s Word, leading him to put his faith in Jesus.
“I was saved, taught the Word, and I thank God for the transformation,” Tumpes said. Now he says when he goes to church, he goes “to sing and praise God for the healing of my child, and I feel peace in my heart.”
During his time at CURE, William also experienced God’s love as the hospital staff served as the hands and feet of Christ, offering prayer, providing compassionate pre- and post-surgical care, and sharing encouragement from God’s Word. All of this helped William prepare emotionally and physically for his healing journey.
When he was discharged to recover at home a few days later, he could already see that his legs were straighter and his spirits were lighter.
Walking the Pastures Disability-Free
Today, after months of recovery at home, William is running, playing, and keeping up with his herd. It’s a transformation that his mom says is “the Lord’s doing.”
For William, it’s the chance to just be a kid. He says, “I can kick a ball, help take care of the flock, and many other things!”
Tumpes is awed by his son’s transformation—and incredibly thankful. “I am amazed at what CURE Kenya is doing for my son. Thank you all,” Tumpes expressed. “Thank you, dear donor, for making this possible!”
With his newfound mobility, William looks ahead to a future no longer defined by physical limitations. And now his family no longer has to worry about his safety or keeping up with the rest of them as they manage their livestock. “There’s nothing I can’t do now!” he says.
Want to explore more ways to support CURE’s life-transforming medical and ministry care for children with life-limiting disabilities like William? Check these out:
Learn more about the types of life-changing surgeries
CURE Kenya provides.
Become a CURE prayer partner—it’s one of the most powerful ways you can support the children and families we serve.
Make a gift that sponsors transformational surgeries for more children like William.
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