Ryan’s Story: How Surgery Transformed a Young Life

At five years old, Raven still seems to be learning how to walk. Just a couple of months ago, both his legs were operated on. He was born with clubfoot.

“A million, million thanks to ICM! Without ICM, my grandson would not have received his much-needed operation,” shares Florida, 61. Through ICM and its partnership with the Tebow Foundation, Raven was given life-changing surgery—something that would have been impossible for them to ever even consider trying to pay for themselves.

The Challenge

Clubfoot is a condition where a newborn’s feet are rotated inward at the ankle. Medical experts say half of children born with clubfoot have both feet affected, which was the case when Raven was born.

Being born with this condition was difficult for him. But life became even harder when his parents abandoned him, leaving Raven with his grandmother. Florida has since struggled to provide for Raven with the little she has.

The Intervention

Seeing her grandson suffer was heartbreaking for Florida. Children with clubfeet endure the physical and emotional pain of their condition every single day. But things started to look up one day when a former ICM staff spotted the young boy and advised Florida to seek free medical help. Without wasting time, she gathered the necessary paperwork.

In two weeks, Raven was ready for the surgery that would change his life. The surgery was a success, and just hours after, he was looking ahead to a better life.

The Transformation

Today, Raven has to wear two separate types of shoes—one for when he sleeps at night, and another for when he walks to support the complete correction of his clubfeet. Raven beams with energy and joy. And Florida is positive that a better life awaits her grandson!

When a child living in ultra-poverty faces a serious medical problem, the burden to the entire family is extensive. ICM helps ultra-poor families get the medical care they need so hope for the future stays alive.

Learn more about how ICM’s health programs are transforming lives.