When Tedla first walked through the gates of CURE Children’s Hospital of Ethiopia (CURE Ethiopia) in 2015, he was just 12 years old. Unsure of what lay ahead, he entered the doctor’s office for his first physical examination. “I still remember feeling incredibly nervous,” Tedla recalls. “But the atmosphere was so warm and welcoming that it eased my fears.”
After careful evaluation by his Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Mesfin Etsub, it was clear that amputation would give Tedla the best chance at mobility and a more independent life.
Tedla was born without a fully formed right leg. Most of his lower leg below the knee was missing, and because he couldn’t properly put weight on it, walking was painful and unstable. Tedla grew up seeing children walk, run, and play their little hearts out while he couldn’t. “It felt like watching a show I could never audition for,” Tedla said, recalling his early years. This made him determined to seek treatment and visit CURE.
That same year, Tedla underwent his first surgery—an amputation. He admits he was scared and uncooperative at the time, but what left a lasting impression wasn’t just the treatment he received—it was how he was loved through it. “The entire staff was so patient and kind to me,” he said. “From the security guards to the surgeons, everyone treated me with care and respect.”
Over the years, Tedla returned to CURE for multiple surgeries, including bone revisions and corrections. Each visit helped him heal physically and shaped him spiritually. Through the care of CURE Ethiopia’s spiritual ministry team, Tedla received emotional support and biblical discipleship that helped him strengthen his relationship with God.
A pivotal turning point in Tedla’s journey came when CURE Ethiopia’s strategic partner, Limb Kind Foundation, visited with their team of prosthetists, physical therapists, and amputee mentors. Their visit not only gave him a high-quality prosthetic limb but also a new perspective. “Seeing the amputee mentors embrace their conditions with such confidence inspired me to adopt the same mindset,” he said. “It truly changed my life for the better.”
Today, Tedla is thriving. He’s a 22-year-old university student full of dreams and determination. He even plays his favorite sport, basketball—something that once seemed out of reach. With every step and every jump, this strong young man gets closer and closer to his goal.
Tedla also continues to grow in his faith and is part of a local church, where he finds spiritual support and encouragement in his walk with God.
Tedla recently returned to CURE Ethiopia—not as a patient, but to share his testimony and encourage others. “This isn’t just testimony talk,” he said with a big smile. “This place has truly shaped me into the man I am today.”
Looking back, Tedla sees the hand of God at work in every step of his journey. Through the hands of the medical team, the support of the spiritual team, and the care he received at CURE Ethiopia, this young man experienced more than healing—he found hope.
“Thank you all for everything. This place has changed my life, and I will forever be grateful,” he said.
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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.
