Another story of hope and healing

Akou Kewukpo

“Hard things are put in our way not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength.” unknown author. 

Akou Kewukpo is a woman of courage. In Western Africa, women do an astounding amount of work. They farm, cook, take care of children, and sell goods. They carry heavy items on their heads extremely far distances. They are worked to the bone. Akou did these things while experiencing great pain.

She is a farmer and has five grown children. She looks stunning for her age. Akou's wonderful smile reveals perfectly straight, glistening white teeth. And you think, “There is a story behind that smile.”

A large mass had been growing on Akou's right shoulder for five years. The growth inched its way up her neck and caused great pain. Akou didn't realize that the tumor was slowly filling her lungs and would eventually kill her.

If Akou lived in a developed nation, the tumor would have been removed at a very early stage. But, because of the lack of health care resources, doctors in Togo suggested that she travel to Europe to have the tumor removed. Europe? She could not afford a trip to Europe. They had basically given her a death sentence. She said, “I couldn't believe it when they told me that. I shook my head, and essentially gave up.”

Three years later, Akou waited in line to see a doctor at the Mercy Ships screening day in Togo. The African sun beat down on the hundreds of hopeful people waiting for medical attention. Akou was checked by several nurses and given an X-ray. It was determined that she was a candidate for surgery and was given a date to return to the ship for her tumor to be removed. Finally, hope had returned! Akou remembers, “I was so happy that day. More than small happiness…this was BIG happiness. I was in a hurry to get back home … so the time would pass faster, and the day of surgery would be here!”

Eventually the surgery day arrived. Dr. Mark performed a marathon nine-hour operation. In order to remove the entire tumor, Dr. Mark had to cut the nerves running through it. Then, he meticulously stitched each nerve back together.

In recovery Akou had staples running down her neck and shoulder, resembling a train track of battle wounds. But she did not mind. The enemy was gone. All that remained was the beautifully sloped silhouette of her shoulders.

Akou's struggle, however, was not over. Her courage faced another test. When she woke up after surgery, she could not lift her arm. Akou understood that the nerves had to be cut in order to remove the tumor and save her life. But she also knew that her livelihood depended on being able to lift things.
Akou's prognosis is very good. Charge Nurse, Ali Chandra, explains, “The doctors are quite confident that over time and with therapy, Akou will regain all movement in her arm. And every day, I can see she is improving emotionally and responding to therapy.”

Akou's courage and strength were tested, and she rose to the occasion. Healing began. Eventually, it was time to look at her shoulder for the first time. Akou was handed a small mirror. She carefully cleaned it with her hospital gown and then held it up.

In a matter of seconds, her beaming smile transformed her face. She finally allowed herself to enjoy the hope and healing God had brought her through Mercy Ships.

“When my hand gets better,” she exclaims, “I will be jumping up and down hands raised in the air with celebration. The first thing I will do when I return home is go to church and thank God for what H e has done for me. All the nurses who have took care of me--I will thank God for them.”

Story by Claire Bufe
Edited by Nancy Predaina
Photos by Deb Bell, Tom Bradley and Liz Cantu

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Akou Kewukpo arrives at screening in Togo in February, 2010. Her tumor has the scars of a witch doctor who tried to heal her years ago.

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Akou speaks with a Mercy Ships staff member, receiving instructions.

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Akou waits patiently for a very long time to see a doctor.

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