Dubai: Thirteen-year-old Yousuf Halahla winces in pain as the occupational therapist gently helps him through his exercises at the International Modern Hospital in Dubai.
It has been over a week since his marathon 8 hour operation that included breaking five bones in both of his legs, to correct the severe deformity that has hampered his life for as long as he can remember.
"My son was only one year old when we realized that there was something different about him, and his legs began to show signs of deformity," said his mother Kareema, who has accompanied Yousuf from the West Bank town of Hebron to Dubai.
Listening to him speak, it becomes apparent that this child has gone through a great deal in his young life. Unable to run or play sports with his friends, he has also suffered from the everyday restrictions and dangers imposed by the Israeli occupation.
Yet out of his country for the first time in his life, Yousuf's strength and courage belie his age.
Doctors have been unable to pinpoint the exact cause of the deformity, but say that it is most likely due to a rare disorder or possibly the more common problem of rickets.
"Yousuf's condition seems to be as a result of Blount's Disease," said Dr Mark Sinclair, pediatric orthopedic surgeon at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. "This basically means that there has been a growth plate disturbance, which has resulted in his bow-legged appearance.
"The operation was very successful and hopefully we'll have him up and walking, with crutches, in two weeks. Yousuf is very motivated and knows this as an amazing opportunity. He is intent on seizing it."
Yousuf and his mother have made the trip here to Dubai through the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) and the generosity of the hospital and the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre doctors, who performed the surgery for free. It is most likely that he will spend over three months in Dubai recuperating and receiving follow up treatment.
"The fact is that this is a very serious case and there is a lot more to the surgery than just the cosmetic aspect," said Dr. Chris Whately. "This is obviously a factor, especially for a young person, but more importantly, his condition has predisposed him to severe arthritis at a very early age.
"It is fair to say that if he had stayed in Palestine and not been given access to treatment, by the time he was in his 20s or 30s he would be in a wheelchair."
Where Yousuf comes from, this would have been tantamount to a life of complete dependence on his family. In ultra-conservative Hebron, there is still a certain degree of stigma associated with disabilities. Perhaps more significantly, Yousuf would also find it difficult to support himself and lead an independent life in an area with severe unemployment even for the fittest and most physically able.
"I understand how lucky I am and really want to make the most of my time here," he told Gulf News from his hospital bed. "I am feeling a lot of pain, but I am also really excited.
"I just want to be able to do all the things that I have always dreamed of, like play football with my friends. Normally I just sit and watch others play."
With some of the most expensive legs in the world currently on display on Germany's football pitches, has Yousuf been able to watch any of the games?
"Australia and Japan," he says, before drifting off to sleep again.
"Yousuf is really such a strong, brave boy and has already reassured his family back home that he is alright," says his mother. "They are all so happy that he is here and has been given this opportunity."
What is PCRF?
The Palestine Children's Relief Fund is a US-based non-governmental organization, established to address the medical and humanitarian crisis affecting young Palestinians in the Middle East. It has since expanded and now treats children from other Arab countries, including Iraq, by locating free medical care abroad.
"We are so happy that Yousuf has been able to make the trip," said Nadia Wehbe of PCRF.
"PCRF was very lucky that Dr. Mark Sinclair and the International Modern Hospital generously offered their services for free. We really have the resources and expertise here in Dubai to help those less fortunate."
PCRF say that they are happy with the degree of support received to date, but more can be done.
"We are very appreciative of the support, but what we need is more volunteers to come and meet with Yousuf and his mother," said Wehbe. "That said, the volunteers we have had so far have been amazing."
To volunteer call Nadia Wehbe: 050 6247263.
