Maïssa Rushoza was born on March 1, 2018, and at such a young age, she is already a living inspiration; even with the struggles she faces due to a congenital scoliosis.    

Scoliosis is a permanent deviation of the spine characterized by a rotation of the vertebrae. It can occur in childhood or adolescence, or even in adulthood, sometimes due to a disease or other forms of malformation.    

Maïssa’s life was marked by the sudden death of her father when she was 3 years old. At the time, she had stopped wearing prostheses to correct her condition, as they seemed to be ineffective. 

Moved by her frequent visits to various specialists with not much progress, Mr. Pierre de Vriendt–a friend of her grandparents–shared her numerous medical reports with a few doctors. Touched by her case, they decided to form a team to enable this young princess to have a surgery in Burundi, where she was born.  

Who is Maïssa?   

Maïssa is the eldest child of David Rushoza and Martine Karabona. She is a sparkling, radiant and intelligent kid, full of life despite her condition. Her resilience is admirable and her smile is constant.

After the tragedy of her father’s death, Maïssa’s joie de vivre never ceases to breathe new life into her family, who learns so much from her. Her family says: “One of the most precious things about Maïssa is her ability to understand complex things with beauty and grace; this puts her in the category of prodigies. The emotions she arouses in people are exceptional. It would take a lifetime to list all her talents and qualities. We learn so much from her.”   

The Medical Team    

When Pierre de Vriendt met Maïssa, her little sister and their mother, he was impressed by Maïssa’s intelligence. He set about presenting her case to various medical professionals in Europe and Asia, more precisely in Belgium and India.

These doctors decided to form a team of surgeons, anesthetists and other specialists who would come and operate on young Maïssa in Bugendana commune, in the province of Gitega, Burundi. The team of medical professionals have started to arrive, some landed at Melchior Ndadaye airport on November 8, and others will arrive on the 10th, 11th and 12th; and the surgery will  take place on November 13, at Mutoyi Hospital.   

Maïssa’s story is a poignant example of resilience, determination and international solidarity to help a child to overcome the challenging condition of scoliosis. Her story embodies the strength of community and the great possibility of changing lives through mutual help.   

The family is infinitely grateful to everyone who, through a gesture of love, a positive thought, a financial contribution or ideas, made the surgery possible. We wish Maïssa a wonderful convalescence and a quick recovery. The family would like to thank, in particular, the doctors who made this miracle possible. Not all heroes wear capes.    

(Text from the family)