Imagine growing up in Ethiopia, where superstition whispers that a child’s disability means a cursed family. In our beautiful yet challenging third-world home full of faith, but weighed by illiteracy, fear of change, and conservative ways, kids with disabilities stay hidden. They miss school, shy from streets, scared of stares. Even city families battle daily hurdles, constantly reminded of “what they can’t do” without ramps or easy access.
Enter Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, which celebrates God’s love for people with special needs worldwide. The night features red carpets, dinners, dancing, and even a royal crowning! The Tim Tebow Foundation teamed up with CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia for this unforgettable bash. Volunteers worked magic: they dressed up the kids, styled the children’s hair, gave makeovers to beaming faces, polished the kids’ shoes, and painted nails! All in all, over 100 kids got crowned as Kings and Queens. 87 were past and present CURE patients. Others joined from partners such as German Church School (GCS), Mother Teresa Missionaries of Charity , Alemachin, Nia Foundation, Deborah Foundation, Win Souls for God (WSG), and Gulele Genet Church. 38 CURE staff volunteers teamed up with the Tim Tebow crew to bring all the sparkle!
Red Carpets, Crowns, and Hearts Full of Cheer
The event, with it’s red carpet and crownings, evoked joy among the guests and family members.
Ebruel, a former CURE patient treated for Brittle Bones, shared, “I felt seen, cherished, and deeply honored.”
“This celebration has sparked real hope!” one father from the partner organizations told us.
Another CURE patient, Marichuyi, beamed. “It hit home. We are all worthy.”
Meet Our Shining Stars: Haniel and Bereket
The night was hosted by two superstar CURE patients, Haniel and Bereket. Haniel was CURE’s very first scoliosis spine surgery patient who has now made a complete recovery! She has become an inspiration for current patients going through the same treatment at the Tebow Spine Center at CURE Ethiopia. Similarly, Bereket was also a scoliosis patient at the Tebow Spine Center at CURE Ethiopia who has made an impressive recovery!
Night to Shine supercharged the spirits of all the children who attended. They learned that God sees them, values them, and sent His Son for them.
Your support allows magic, like what happened during Night to Shine, to happen! If you would like to be a part of the physical and spiritual transformation of the children we serve and show Christ’s love to them through your generosity, click the link here.
About the CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia
Established in 2008, CURE Ethiopia performs over 2,500 life-changing reconstructive and orthopedic surgeries every year for children suffering from treatable disabilities. Strategically located in the capital city of Addis Ababa, the teaching hospital has 70 beds and four operating rooms. CURE International uses this facility to multiply its efforts by partnering with The College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) to serve as a regional learning institution by implementing an orthopedic pediatric training program at the residency and fellowship levels. In addition to world-class clinical service, CURE Ethiopia ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their communities.
