Sonia’s Story: Healing Step by Step

Sonia is six years old, and she should be spending her days playing, drawing and discovering the world around her. Instead, a wartime injury has set her on a long road of treatment and recovery.

An explosion left deep third-degree burns on her neck. As the wound healed, severe scar contracture formed on the left side. The tightening skin restricted the movement of her neck and made everyday activities harder.

Her treatment has demanded patience and persistence. Sonia underwent a series of complex procedures. First came tissue expansion to grow enough healthy skin to cover the damaged area, followed by several skin graft surgeries. But healing did not come easily. The wound reopened again and again, and the first procedures did not achieve the results her medical team had hoped for.

Still, Sonia kept going.

Alongside surgery, she began intensive physiotherapy to improve the movement of her neck and reduce the effects of the contracture. With ongoing medical follow-up and rehabilitation, her condition slowly improved.

Today, Sonia has reached an estimated 70 to 80% improvement. She still needs further surgery to release the remaining contracture and help restore more natural movement to her neck.

Through FAJR Global’s medical program in Egypt, Sonia receives the specialized treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up she needs.

Every bit of movement she regains is one more step toward moving freely and getting back to the everyday joys of childhood.

See FAJR’s work in Egypt.