Many of these who survived, including kids, literally lost parts of themselves.7 year-old Tara Aulia and 11-year-old Hamdani survived the tsunami that tore thru their towns in Indonesia’s Aceh province. But these children lost more than their homes and families, both youngsters lost a limb.

Regardless of the horrors Tara and Hamdani experienced and the steep chances they faced at getting correct medical care, they would find that strangers from around the world would help them in accepting their loss and rebuilding. Both children were given a new start and new prosthesis by donors from the United States.

Hamdani was playing football when the tsunami swept him away. He grabbed onto a boat, and as he held on for his life with his left arm, an uprooted tree severed his right arm above the elbow.

Tara, whose right leg needed to be amputated when it became infected from an injury sustained in the tsunami, instantly adjusted to her prosthesis. “It’s glorious to see a kid adapt as well as she has so quickly,” expounded Jeff Eichhorn, director of orthopedic and prosthesis at the Philadelphia surgery.

Tara and Hamdani came to the Philadelphia infirmary through the Worldwide Medical Relief Fund, a charitable organization that provides transport to the US and housing to youngsters hurt by war, natural disasters or sickness. Thanks to generous donations, and the hard work of the medical staff, they have given these two children more than a new lease on life, they have given them hope during times of tragedy and loss, there are people who are there to help.