Samuel Sesay knows what it’s like to have a rough childhood.

At a dessert night and auction for the Maple Valley-based Bridge of Hope on June 15, the 12-year-old spoke of his life as one of thousands of children orphaned during the civil war in Sierra Leone.

After his village in the Makeni area in the central region of Sierra Leone was attacked, he was left without a home or family. He had a grandfather figure who looked after him for a while, but was ultimately unable to care for him. After that, he was forced to live in the bush.

Sesay also suffered from neurofibromatosis, a genetically-inherited disorder in which the nerve tissue grows tumors which can cause serious damage by compressing nerves and other tissues. Sesay had large tumors growing on his face and was unable to find medical treatment.

Then, in 2007, he walked into a medical clinic run by the volunteers from Maple Valley-based New Community Church, part of a multi-church effort to bring medical supplies, education and clean water to the region.

Ultimately, the effort led to the creation of the Bridge of Hope in 2008. It has sent a mission team out every year since 2006 and sent two teams this spring.

After Sesay was diagnosed with the disease, Mike Jeffery said they attempted to find a hospital in the United States that would treat him, but were unsuccessful.

“We’d been trying and trying to get help for him (for a long time),” he said.

During that time, Sesay started to attend the school run by the non-profit and was able to eat healthier food, which improved his health. It was also when Allen Tamba Boakai, a Bridge staff member and Makeni native, took Sesay under his wing.

Finally, Jeffery said, they were able to get Sesay help through Mercy Ship, a global charity that operates hospital ships in developing nations, one of which was at Sierra Leone.

Sesay was brought abroad and received treatment in May 2011, when surgeons were able to remove tumors from his face and chest. He had a second surgery in September. Boakai remained by his side during the entire two month stay on the ship where the procedures were performed.

“He’s doing way better now,” Jeffrey said.

During their March visit this year, Bridge volunteers were able to secure a visa for Sesay and Boakai. They arrived in the United States in early June and plan on staying until late August. In the meantime, Sesay has had the chance to see a dentist and doctor in the area.

When he returns to Sierra Leone, Sesay said that he intends to study to become an eye doctor and help the people in the Makeni area.

In the meantime, Sesay will throw the first pitch at a Tacoma Rainiers game and will have a special race named after him at Emerald Downs on Aug. 5.

In addition to allowing Sesay and Boakai to visit the country, Bridge President Geri Jeffery said it’s also to let people know that their donations are being put to good use.

“When you sponsor the Bridge it goes where it’s supposed to go,” she said. “There’s such a huge need. These are people just like you or I. To see the change when kids get fed and get an education really makes a big difference.”