Multiple Osteochondromas: Pain, Resilience, and Hope

The United Foundation for China’s Health (UFCH) has recently received medical help from several underprivileged teenagers suffering from the same rare inherited skeletal disorder: multiple osteochondromas. The formation of multiple benign cartilage tumors on or within the bone surfaces causes skeletal deformities, joint dysfunction, and impacts daily life.

 

 

 

Xiao Yu, a 17-year-old girl from Shaanxi, inherited osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and multiple osteochondromas from her parents. She stands less than 1.4 meters tall. The UFCH had long provided medical support to her father, who now hoped the Foundation could help his daughter.

 

The multiple osteochondromas covered Xiao Yu’s legs and arms. A large tumor near her left wrist protruded severely, stretching the skin almost to the point of tearing. Intense pain severely disrupted her daily activities and studies. Accompanied by her father and the Foundation team, Xiao Yu visited the orthopedics clinic. After a detailed examination and diagnosis, the doctor patiently explained the surgical plan for the wrist tumor and outlined the precautions needed for her osteogenesis imperfecta. Xiao Yu underwent the surgery successfully soon after. Post-operative follow-ups showed good recovery, with ongoing periodic monitoring scheduled.

 

The alleviation of pain and discomfort brought a much more relaxed smile to Xiao Yu’s face, allowing her to focus more intently on her studies.

 

 

Three siblings from an underprivileged family in Henan Province have endured the pain of multiple osteochondromas since childhood. Family hardships compounded their struggles. Due to her own health issues, their mother could only manage simple household chores, leaving the family’s heavy burden on the shoulders of the eldest brother. Though academically gifted, he had to drop out of school. Now 25, the eldest brother developed symptoms at age 7. He is resilient and reserved, reluctant to ask for help even in dire straits. His 15-year-old brother and 13-year-old sister also developed the condition in early childhood. As they grew, the functional limitations and severe pain caused by the tumors worsened, leading to abnormal gaits and restricted mobility. Watching his siblings’ condition deteriorate filled the eldest brother with anxiety, yet he was powerless to afford their treatment.

 

Fortunately, a local charity organization learned of the siblings’ plight and, through partner connections, contacted the UFCH. The siblings’ application for assistance was quickly approved, and they chose to receive treatment at Shanghai United Family Hospital. Currently, the younger brother and sister have completed their first surgeries. Doctors are formulating follow-up treatment plans based on their recovery progress, and the UFCH will continue to monitor their situation, providing ongoing charity medical support. Challenges remain ahead, but the dawn of hope has illuminated this resilient family.

 

When trapped by the dual hardships of illness and poverty, the light of life can seem to dim. UFCH deeply understands that every life besieged by pain and economic hardship deserves to be seen and respected. Through professional medical assistance, we provide tangible support to these struggling families – not only alleviating pain and improving function but also striving to help them reclaim the courage and hope for life. In the future, we will continue to extend our hands, using professional medical resources and compassionate care to uphold a canopy of hope for vulnerable groups.

Healing Brings Hope