Sophia’s Healing Story: A Love that Moves Mountains

 

 

Love means different things to different people. Most people define love as a feeling, something to be expressed to other people through words. Others see it as a verb, an action, something to be done and acted on. Tebow CURE is guided by God’s love, and we, in turn, share that love with all our patients through healing and transformation. At the hospital, we see love in all its forms, and we are privileged to share moments of love. One of the best examples is love that bonds a parent and a child, especially during times of fear and uncertainty.

Sophia was born with a condition called a windswept deformity, meaning that one knee has genu valgum (knock-knee), and the other has genu varus (bowed leg). This condition causes her legs to appear to be “blown” to one side by the wind, hence the name “windswept.”

Sophia’s mom, Shiela, noticed her daughter had difficulty walking and standing without support when Sophia turned one. She also saw Sophia’s legs beginning to deform. Whenever Sophia got sick and sought medical help, Shiela would take the opportunity to ask about Sophia’s legs. Unfortunately, doctors couldn’t help, as Sophia’s legs require a specialized, expensive orthopedic doctor. For Shiela’s family, a specialized doctor was far outside what they could afford. Even with the odds of life, Shiela’s love pushed her to continue seeking treatment for Sophia. “I will do whatever it takes to give Sophia the future she deserves. As a mother, I don’t want her to blame me for not finding a way to treat her condition,” Shiela earnestly expressed.

 

Shiela’s prayers were answered when she met another mother who shared her experiences raising a child with disability. Through their conversation, Shiela learned about Tebow CURE and became curious about the hospital’s services. She came across amazing testimonies and transformation photos of children like Sophia.

Living far from the hospital, Shiela had to save up for a plane ticket so Sophia could receive the sponsored care she needed. In February 2023, Shiela and Sophia finally arrived at Tebow CURE, marking the start of Sophia’s healing journey. “Despite the distance, I feel like bringing my daughter here was the best decision I ever made as a mother. I thank God for giving us the wisdom, courage, and strength to get here!” Shiela excitedly shared.

 

 

Sophia underwent her first corrective surgery the same month she arrived at the hospital. The medical team performed an osteotomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping the bones to correct her deformity. Afterward, they put Sophia’s leg in a cast to help stabilize it while her bones healed. She was required to be consistently monitored for weeks, which meant she had to stay in the hospital’s patient housing. During her stay, Sophia met many new friends who shared her struggles and understood her journey.  When her legs had sufficiently healed, she was cleared to return home.

In 2025, after two years of healing following her first procedure, Sophia returned to complete the next stage of her transformation. She was then admitted and underwent her second surgery to correct her bone position and leg function. The surgery lasted for three hours, which made Shiela anxious while waiting. Sophia’s surgery was successful, and she recovered well. Because of that, she now has straight legs and has transitioned from wheelchairs and casts to a knee-hinged brace that helps her walk.

 

“He really never lets me go. God always guides me. He’s the only one I’ve been holding onto,” Shiela shared during a conversation with the hospital’s spiritual ministry team. Sophia’s healing helped her grow – she learned not to be shy and began to realize that her differences should not hinder her from dreaming of the future. Despite the challenges, Sophia remained a cheerful child with a smiling face. She now dreams of becoming a flight attendant. Shiela’s determination and courage, especially when she decided to travel to Tebow CURE with insufficient funds and no one to rely on, truly showed a mother’s love.

Much like God’s love for us, Shiela’s love for Sophia not only moved mountains but also gave strength, courage, and comfort. If not for love, Sophia would not have received the healing she needed. We are thankful for our partners who share their love with the children who come through the hospital doors.

Your gift ensures that the mountain is moved for the next child waiting, too. Share your love today!