Wednesday was the last check-up for Anderson Mambwe. This Saturday Anderson is going home to Zambia.
"They were all expecting me to have my legs amputated," says Mambwe, "My mom she will be very proud of me."
Anderson's feet were deformed causing him a lot of pain. He wasn't able to walk.
A group called Orphan Medical Network International or OMNI brought him here for treatment in March.
Anderson had two surgeries at LewisGale Medical Center which donated $100,000 worth of care.
"The deformity was so extreme he had a size 17, 6 E foot," says podiatrist Dr. Charles Zelen, "Through a series of eight incisions and 15 plates and screws we were actually able to shrink the foot down to a size 14."
Anderson is now proud to stand on his own two feet.
"They've changed my life," says Mambwe, "They've given me a future. I'm very grateful."
"We've given him a life that he's never had before," says Dr. Zelen, "This is the greatest Thanksgiving that I've ever had."
It's not just his feet that have changed. Since March, he has grown nine inches. He smiles and talks a lot more plus the 18-year-old is now optimistic about his future. He thinking about becoming a doctor.
"The people have been very nice to me, very kind, they've been helping a lot," says Mambwe.
Anderson told us he's sad to leave but he plans to stay in touch with everyone who gave him a new life.
When Anderson returns home to Zambia, he will also return to the poverty he grew up in.
But his doctor and supporters are hopeful that the media attention and Anderson's new ability to walk will get attention from Zambia's government and give Anderson a better shot at college.
