Abstract
ANGELLE'S STORY: Angelle stood on the dock and gazed with wonder at the white hospital ship towering above her. She fervently hoped her 11-year nightmare was over. She dreamed of waking up tomorrow to find the melon-sized tumor on her face gone. Clutching the precious surgery appointment card in her hand, Angelle eagerly climbed the Mercy Ship gangway.
From early in life, Angelle had experienced more than her share of losses. At 3 months of age, she lost her mother. Her father died when she was 5 years old. At 11, her grandmother died, leaving Angelle an orphan.