Better Design, Better Lives: Modou's Journey

For every dollar earned on a project, a percentage is given toward people in need of healthcare, food, water, and education. There have been so many stories of life-changing impact over the years, and this is one of them. My hope in sharing this story is to inspire others to act on injustice, practice generosity, and improve people’s lives.

Many of us hate going to the dentist. I know I do. But what about others less fortunate?

A routine visit to the dentist could have changed Modou’s life early on if he lived in the U.S.

But in his home country, that opportunity didn’t exist.

As a child, Modou developed a condition called ankylosis, which made it difficult for him to speak and eat. This condition left Modou severely malnourished, and by the time he was 20 years old, he weighed only 68 pounds.

Luckily, after years of uncertainty, Modou found hope on board a hospital ship called the Africa Mercy.

After a successful surgery, Modou worked with volunteers to strengthen the muscles in his mouth and relearn basic movements. By the time he was ready to leave the hospital, the difference was remarkable.

Modou's smile was big, and he would dance and laugh with joy.

When he returned home, he was excited to try all the foods he had never been able to eat before and show off his transformation to his friends.

He said, "I have such a great feeling because now I am transformed. I have peace!”

It's important to note that Modou’s healing wouldn't have been possible without access to surgery through Mercy Ships. And his access was made possible in part by the impact my clients and I have through our work together.