A Life Transformed: February 2026 Impact Report
Surviving to Thriving: Maria’s Story
HopeCo’s Vision: Transformed Lives, Flourishing Communities
HopeCo exists to rescue children in East Africa from abuse, hunger, and exploitation. We are dedicated to helping them reach their full potential and become leaders and changemakers in their own nations. And we are passionate about seeing individuals, families, and whole communities transformed forever by the power of Jesus Christ!
Overcoming the Impossible
Maria’s mother died when she was a young child. Adding sorrow upon sorrow, Maria was born with club feet, a disability that made walking impossible. But she was determined...not defeated. By the time she was a toddler, she was shuffling across the floor on her knees. As she grew, she ventured farther – doing chores like hoeing the garden, sweeping the hard-packed dirt yard, and cooking meals...all while moving on her calloused knees. Eventually, she found a way to make it easier: she strapped flip-flops to them like makeshift shoes. Her father struggled to care for his family of nine. Despite repeated and costly doctor visits, Maria was offered no hope of ever walking. Village people stared, pointed, and mocked her, so Maria stayed home mostly and was content to do chores and help her father in any way she could. She even shuffled the two miles to fetch water, but soon realized it wasn’t productive to only bring home a quart and a half when they used 10 gallons a day. Her older sister resumed the long trek each morning, carrying water – even after she was married.
When Maria turned eight, her father decided she deserved an education. Each day, he carried her on his back more than six miles round-trip to the nearest school. The reception they both received was cold, mocking, and cruel, but Maria was determined. She endured three months before the Headmaster told her father not to bring her back. She never complained or told her father how her classmates treated her, though he could tell by her torn and muddy uniform and the cut on her ear when he picked her up the last time.
Months later, her father learned about a place called the City of Hope where Maria could live, get an education, and the special care she needed. After overcoming her fear of another horrific experience like the one she had at school, she decided to go, and her father carried her on his back to the City of Hope.
Maria was warmly welcomed by everyone and treated kindly. In spite of her disability, life was good, and she quickly adjusted and made friends. She walked on her knees but kept up with the others. Occasionally, another child would carry her but overall she was very independent. She deliberately chose the top bunk in the residential home and would pull herself up. Maria enjoyed drawing, puzzles, and playing games and was an excellent student!
At City of Hope we called her “Maria Tembea” because Tembea means “to walk,” and this is what we were trusting God to do. Then one day, God heard and answered prayer! Maria learned that she could have surgery that would enable her to walk!
HopeCo’s Board Chair, Dr. Ty Hopkins, researched a surgery that would enable her to walk and where this would be performed. When Maria went for her first appointment and assessment, the doctor asked her if she was willing to go through a lot of pain and physical therapy. She said yes, she was willing to go through the hardships to be able to walk.
HopeCo supporters gave and along with a partner organization Maria had knee and foot surgeries, and was fitted with casts and braces at Kijabe Hospital (near Nairobi, Kenya), which is actually one of the best places in the world to have this surgery!
All of Maria’s needs were met:
• Three surgeries, casts and braces, hospital care, and rehab were fully funded.
• HopeCo partnered with CURE International to provide life-changing treatment.
• A volunteer nurse stayed for six months to help staff care for Maria.
• Three new sponsors stepped in to cover her post-surgery costs.
AND TODAY, WE CELEBRATE THAT MARIA CAN WALK!
If you ever visit City of Hope, you’ll probably find Maria worshipping the Lord with the choir on Sunday mornings. She loves to sing and has even composed some worship songs. Maria can often be found faithfully studying the Word and often joins the other children during their daily prayer time.
After she graduates from high school, Maria would like to pursue a vocation in accounting. And with her faith, this courageous young woman will accomplish her dreams!
