Sira was a playful 4-year-old filled with vibrant life.

Fatamata was filled with hope when her children were born. But both times, nearly nine years apart, that hope faded into fear.

Mariama was only 4 years old when her parents noticed her legs were beginning to bend. 

Josephine's parents rushed her to a local hospital. 

When Emmanuel was 2 years old, the left side of his face began to swell. 

Mariama was delighted that her second baby was a son. 

When Mariama was 15, her sister died giving birth. 

Sadio told his son, "You are strong."

Babies born with defects in West Africa start life as victims of superstition that abnormalities are signs of a curse. 

Adenidji was a dedicated Muslim who arrived at the Mercy Ships patient screening.