Yohana is a five-year-old playful and friendly boy from Tanzania. Yohana’s parents are peasant farmers. They keep a small herd of livestock which is their only source of income. He loves herding his parents’ livestock with other children. However, due to ganu valgus, a condition where the knees bow inwards, he is unable to walk with ease.
When he was three years old, his father noted the left leg bowing inwards and sooner his right leg. He thought the condition would clear on its own. However, it worsened with time. Yohana is set to start school in 2020 but his parents are worried that he might face difficulties walking. He was reviewed at a local clinic before being referred to our facility. Upon review, he had surgery recommended. Upon successful surgery, he will be able to walk with ease and less pain. The planned surgery is costly for his parents to meet and they appeal for financial assistance.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $838 to fund corrective surgery for Yohana. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 5th. Treatment will hopefully restore Yohana’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Yohana’s father says, “I have watched my son’s legs become deformed but there was nothing I could do due to financial challenges. Please help.”