In developing countries, a person born with a birth defect or other severe physical abnormality is guaranteed a life of rejection, shame and isolation.  Family and community members often consider them to be cursed.  Many of them do not have the comfort or kindness of being touched much less hugged by another human.  And many will not thrive or survive without a Mercy Ships surgical intervention.

From the time a Mercy Ship’s crew member embraces a patient to the time recovery is celebrated from an often complex surgery, a new hope is born…not just for patients but also for their families and the entire community.