A Mercy Ships Story – Drissa

Drissa, plastics patient, before surgery.

We proudly partner with two amazing charity organizations – Mercy Ships and Impact a Hero. Today, we wanted to share one of the reasons why we love Mercy Ships. Meet Drissa.

When Drissa was five-years-old, his life was changed dramatically after he tripped and fell into a pot of hot oil, resulting in painful burns over his neck and chest.

His parents immediately took him to a clinic but were only able to find short-term relief for the burns. Eventually, his wounds healed, but he still had painful burn contractures which made it difficult for him to move his neck or look around.

Drissa’s parents were heartbroken over their son’s condition, but without access to safe and affordable surgery, were unable to find healing for him. However, four years after Drissa’s accident, his father, Mory, learned about a hospital ship with volunteers who could help heal his son.

Drissa, plastics patient, with Sierra Stout, Physical Therapist, in the Rehab tent.

“I thought, ‘I have never experienced this type of kindness before.’ They took care of my son even while he was sleeping,” Mory said. “The way they treated him is the way that God wants us to be treated, so I can see that people on the ship really know God… When we go home, I will tell everyone that Mercy Ships is real — Drissa is the proof that help is possible, and that we are all equal and deserve to be treated with kindness.”

Now Drissa is healing from the scars that caused him so much pain and soon he will be returning to school!

When you make an online payment on your vacation with Premier Custom Travel, you have the option to add a donation to our charities. You may learn more about these great organizations by visiting our Charities & Philanthropy page.