Tejan Margay

When a child in America falls out of a tree, the first response is to rush them to the doctor to repair any damages. This was not the story for one Sierra Leone child.

Tejan Margay came to our Children’s Home in Marjay Town after his grandmother could no longer care for him. His father was killed by rebels, and his mother died of an unknown cause. While searching for food to feed his already malnourished body, Tejan fell from a mango tree. When COTN found him, his right leg was broken in many pieces, and his jaw was fused up into his skull. Tejan received medical treatment for his jaw; however the surgery that his leg required was not available in Sierra Leone—his leg went untreated and was left to mend itself, until now.

While visiting Sierra Leone last year, a short-term visitor, Dr. Reid Vaughan, felt a tug on his heart to do something for 10-year-old Tejan. Upon return to the States, Vaughan contacted Shriners Hospital in Spokane, Washington and started the application process toward a charity fund for Tejan.

All arrangements have been made for Tejan to come to Spokane and have surgery on his leg. A long-time supporting church of COTN, New Community Church of Spokane, has been highly involved in Tejan’s story and is excited for his arrival. One family has offered support by hosting Tejan after his surgery and all through his recovery. Plane tickets have been provided by generous donors, and the hospital will cover the cost of his surgery.

One major piece of the puzzle is missing: approval from the Shriners Hospital Board of Governors. The case was ready for the May meeting, however it was not addressed. It is our prayer that Tejan’s case will be considered and accepted at the June board meeting. Once accepted, details can be worked out to get Tejan to Spokane, ready for surgery, and finally healed.

Tejan is a clever boy who does well in school. He is very funny, but also quite shy. Living with so many kids has encouraged him to live with his leg the best he can.
“If this boy continues to run like this, you’d think that it’d heal his leg,” said Quami Agbermodji, Sierra Leone Logistics Officer, “he runs as if nothing is wrong.” The unfortunate truth is that without this surgery, eventually he will lose the use of his leg. eventually he will not be running like he is. Tejan’s leg causes him pain that he deals with on a regular basis. Since one leg is shorter than the other, he walks with a limp. When standing still, all of his weight is put on the strong leg.

The Lord has provided for all the details and logistics surrounding Tejan’s surgery. Now there is a need for prayer concerning the surgery itself. Join us in praying that this opportunity will be provided.