Meet Happiness, an 11-year-old who is already a beacon of resilience and hope. I had the opportunity to sit and talk to Happiness and her mother about her experience with Surgicorps at Beit-CURE Children’s Hospital of Zambia. Happiness is a vibrant 6th grader who has weathered more challenges than most adults. Happiness enjoys school and spending time with her family. Her favorite subject is science, with a particular fascination for comets. Despite her young age, she’s developed a profound appreciation for helping others, which inspires her daily.
Happiness’s journey began when she was just a year and eight months old. The family had just moved into a new home that was still a work in progress. Amid the chaos of unpacking and setting up, a tragic accident occurred. While playing with her older sister Joy, Happiness accidentally bumped into a hot pot of boiling water, which spilled and caused severe burns. The pain of that day was only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. Her family faced an emotional and financial burden as they sought medical help for Happiness’s burns. It was during this challenging time that they discovered Surgicorps, an organization dedicated to providing free surgical care to people in need.
In 2016, Surgicorps stepped in to help Happiness with her first surgery. The team, led by kindhearted and skilled professionals like Dr. Jack, provided the necessary medical care to address her burns and begin her healing process. The care and kindness of Dr. Jack and the Surgicorps team made a significant difference in Happiness’s life, instilling in her a desire to give back to others in the future. Since that fateful day, Happiness has undergone surgeries almost every year to manage and treat the effects of her burn. Each visit to the hospital is a testament to her bravery and her family’s unwavering support. The emotional support from Surgicorps has been instrumental in navigating these challenging times. Happiness’s mother, Harriet, describes her gratitude for Surgicorps as beyond words. The compassion and skill of Dr. Jack and his team have been a source of immense comfort for their family. They eagerly look forward to the next visit in September, hopeful for a potential surgery to further improve Happiness’s quality of life.
Outside of her medical journey, Happiness’s life is filled with the love and support of her family, especially her older sister Joy. At 13, Joy is not only a caring sibling but also a partner in fun activities. The two sisters bond over painting and singing. Whether they’re creating colorful masterpieces or singing their hearts out in the shower, these moments of togetherness are precious to both. Happiness finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her favorite color is purple, and she adores dogs. Her favorite activities include dancing, singing, and painting. Whether it’s running around with her siblings or enjoying a quiet moment, Happiness embraces life with a smile and a song.
Looking towards the future, Happiness dreams of becoming a doctor with Surgicorps. Her motivation stems from her personal experiences and the positive impact of Dr. Jack, who was the first medical professional to truly make her feel cared for. Dr. Jack’s kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on Happiness, and she aspires to follow in his footsteps to bring hope and healing to others.
