Mercy Ships

Ibrahim was 9 years old when he first developed a toothache. It was four years before he could find help. Over those four years, Ibrahim was forced to live with not only the pain from his toothache, but the swelling of his jaw thanks to the many infections that began to form. Without help, his family feared for his future. But hope changed everything! Be sure to follow #IbrahimsJourney to learn more about his journey!

Where Serah lives walking isn’t just a way to stay healthy. It’s vital to their livelihoods. Serah walks to school, she’s on her feet when she helps her family around the house and when she plays with her friends. Nine years ago, these very simple actions seemed impossible. But when you commit to bringing hope and healing, possibilities are endless. Serah walks today because friends like you ensured she could. #ThankYou “Thank you for your help,” Serah said. “Because you're the ones who helped me, thank you!”

On our hospital ships, reconstructive plastic surgery isn’t just about aesthetics. Volunteer surgeons on board help to restore mobility and function for patients who have suffered the impacts of burns, infections, and congenital, developmental, or degenerative conditions. There’s nothing like seeing the direct impact a free surgery can have on a patient’s future. Do you know someone who would love this role? Qualified surgeons can learn more here: https://bit.ly/3JVKZMa #MercyShips #FindYourPlaceOnBoard #VolunteerSurgeon

“She was so young that she doesn’t have any memories of all the anguish we, the adults around her, felt.” Serah was 6 months old when she first came to the Africa Mercy. Her parents feared that she would be burdened by her twisted feet forever. But hope changed their fears into a future of hope. “I am just so happy now.” #ThankYou #Serah #Transformations

After Mercy Ships patients receive reconstructive plastic surgery, the wound care team works diligently to make sure every patient receives skilled care and loving attention. This specialized work includes dressing changes, suture removal, and complex wound care. Mercy Ships is in need of a nurse to join this team. Ready to experience a hospital like you’ve never seen before? Apply today: https://bit.ly/4988745 #Volunteer #FindYourPlaceOnBoard #MercyShips

One of the greatest delights in our work is when we get to see our patients’ years after they’ve received surgery. Some of them, like Serah, don’t really remember their time on our ships, but we’ll never forget the journey they took. Serah was 6 months old when she first came to us. Now she’s 9 years old, riding her bike and exploring her world like any other child. Serah is why we do what we do — bringing hope and healing to those who need it most. #ThankYou #Serah #Transformations

Education, Training, and Advocacy is a key pillar of our work partnering with the nations we serve. This team needs a director to provide leadership to its daily operations, with the goal of building up the partner nation’s medical capacity and sustainability. Learn more about this challenging and important role: https://bit.ly/3znvyKy #MercyShips #Training #Volunteer #FindYourPlaceOnBoard

Before traveling with her family to the Global Mercy, where she serves as her children’s primary caregiver, Malin worked as a primary music teacher in Sweden. She now applies those same skills with the pediatric patients on board! “I love helping children to develop and grow through play, music, and creativity. I've served with Mercy Ships for over two years now, using those same skills to build capacity with the child patients on board our hospital ships.” Play, either in the form of therapeutic play or in the form of play therapy, is proven to be highly valuable for ill children while hospitalized, contributing to both their physical and emotional wellbeing and overall recovery. Mercy Ships welcomes people from diverse backgrounds to apply for unique volunteer positions on board our two hospital ships serving sub-Saharan Africa. From school teachers to engineers, culinary staff to communications, Mercy Ships is looking for qualified, dedicated, and passionate individuals like Malin to volunteer. Could you be the next crewmember to climb the gangway? #FindYourPlaceOnboard #MercyShips #Volunteers #HopeAndHealing

The day she left the Global Mercy to return home, an excited Lucy was welcomed by a cheering crowd. Amazed by her transformation after surgery, her uncle couldn’t help but exclaim, “Lucy! Lucy! Is that you?” Eager to get back in the classroom, Lucy couldn’t wait to reclaim her future dream. “I want to become a doctor in the future because I want to help people when they are sick,” she shared. Now healed and healthy, there’s nothing standing in Lucy’s way. Who knows? One day she could be back on the ship as a volunteer, providing hope and healing to others. #ThankYou for making dreams like these possible. #SafeSurgery #HopeAndHealing #GlobalMercy #MercyShips

Kim-Maree Sherer spends her days delivering critical nutritional information for Mercy Ships patients. As a dietitian, she helps with nutrition management on the hospital ship, and coordinates with pediatric patients in the Infant Feeding Program, taking care of patients throughout the course of their care on board. “I can do this in practical meaningful ways through nutrition, and can help patients become fit for surgery by achieving pre-surgery weight targets, monitoring nutritional status and weight post-surgery to ensure optimal healing and recovery,” she said. “Nutrition is the best medicine.” Are you a dietitian looking to #volunteer on the world’s largest civilian hospital ships? Find out how to become a volunteer now: https://lnkd.in/epNkmmZ #MercyShips #Dietitian #Nutrition #HopeAndHealing #Africa