They say not all heroes wear capes, but in the eyes of one eight-year-old boy, there is a paediatric surgeon who does. Larry Malkin is so convinced of this surgeon’s ‘superpowers’ that he teamed up with his dad to write, illustrate, and publish a book titled, Dr O My Superhero.
Larry has been under the care of Dr O – also known as Mr Mohamed Osman, an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow – since he was a toddler. Even before Larry was born, his parents, Nick and Eri, were informed that he had Bilateral Fixed Talipes, commonly known as club feet. They were told that Larry would be born with both feet turned inwards and would face mobility and skeletal challenges throughout his life.
When Nick and Eri were introduced to Mr Osman, his calm demeanour and reassuring words instantly put them at ease as he explained the surgical plan for Larry’s early years and beyond.
Larry has undergone four major surgeries, including tendon transfers on his legs, with more to come as he grows. He spent his baby and toddler years with his legs in full casts and a bar between them. Now, he wears rigid splints on both legs daily.
“The remarkable thing about Mr Osman, beyond his exceptional surgical skills, is the connection he creates with his patients and their families,” Nick said. “Larry absolutely idolises him and has learned so much from him over the past eight years. Mr Osman has imparted wisdom about tenacity, inspiration to tackle new challenges, respect for others, and a realistic understanding of his condition, all in a way that is suitable for a child with a big journey ahead.”
“Where most kids might become frustrated and disheartened by what they can’t do, Mr Osman has taught Larry to appreciate what he can do. This includes his creative writing, which he really enjoys and has won awards for at school.”
Nick, author of the successful children’s book series Parky the Cat, shared, “Larry suggested that we should write a book featuring Mr Osman. But with superpowers, flying wheelchairs, the ‘O-mobile’ – even surprise patients from outer space – all in rhyming verse! And he really hopes to raise significant funds for his hospital.”
As Larry writes in his book, “the things he’s done I can’t repay, and so this story is my way. I thought it up the very day, that I was leaving ward 1a… a ‘stand-up’ chap, a real pro. My superhero, Dr O!”
Nick continued, “We wanted to create the book for three reasons. Firstly, to thank Mr Osman, as we felt a traditional gift wouldn’t represent our gratitude. Secondly, Larry wanted the book to reach other children who might be on a similar medical journey. The book is designed to make kids feel better about their care and what is happening to them. And, thirdly, all funds made from the book go to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity so that we can give back to the hospital also.”
“We worked together to create the characteristics, superpowers, and plot lines. We wanted to stay true to who Mr Osman is and even included some fun bits about his Egyptian heritage. Mr Osman would often tell Larry stories from his home country and send him sweets he had bought while holidaying there. I mean, what surgeon has time to think about organising those little things for their patients? But Mr Osman does.
“Larry, Eri and I also want to express our gratitude to everyone who has helped us at the Royal Hospital for Children. The nurses and physios have made an incredible difference in our lives.”
When Larry gave him the book, simply inscribed “Thanks for everything”, Mr Osman was delighted and pleasantly surprised. He said:
“This book is absolutely wonderful, and I am very pleased that Larry has been, and continues to be happy with his care. Thank you again to him and his family for doing this – and thank you to the full team on Ward 1a for delivering this care with me. They all have superpowers too!
“Working at the children’s hospital is very rewarding for many reasons and that includes seeing how resilient patients like Larry are and how strong they become despite having challenges. In fact, I’d say they are more superheroes than us!
“I am also very proud of Larry for recognising how his book could help other children and the hospital. I hope his imagination keeps thriving!”
From Mr O My Superhero:
He unleashes a magic force,
that’s only known to him (of course).
An earthquake sound then sonic boom,
His laser eyes light up the room.
Then, moments later, he reveals
his magic touch as my foot heals.
The music blasts and the room glows,
as superpowers mend my toes.
Then after all the shock and awe,
the room goes back to like before.
And then when all is said and done,
I’m back outside with dad and mum.
