A mobile prosthetics clinic led by Elder Matt Bracken and Sister Nylene Bracken, humanitarian missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is providing life-changing support to those in need in the South Pacific nation of Samoa.
Among those the mobile clinic has helped is Masae Tunavasa, who spent four years praying for the chance to walk again after losing her leg.
Recognizing the urgent need for prosthetic care in Samoa, the Brackens transformed a 27-foot trailer into a fully functional mobile clinic.
In October 2024, they arrived in Savai’i and began providing prosthetic limbs to individuals. Over five months, they helped 36 individuals, including Masae.
Creating prosthetics takes a structured process. First, the team casts the patient’s residual limb, fills the mold with plaster, modifies it, and vacuum-forms the socket. The mobile clinic allows team members to manufacture prosthetics on-site, ensuring personalized fittings and immediate adjustments.
To be fitted, Masae needed to stand for 15 minutes, a crucial step to build strength for her prosthetic. Two weeks after receiving her prosthetic leg, she took her first steps with crutches because of daily training and support from her husband and friends from her church.
“I want to walk again so I can serve,” Masae said. Regaining mobility allowed her to return to serving others in her congregation and community, a goal that motivated her throughout the process.
Inspired by Masae’s determination, Elder Bracken encourages others: “For anyone who is willing and has a love for others, go out and serve.” He also emphasizes safeguarding health to better help those in need.
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