Thomas is a very charming, playful, and friendly 6-year-old. He’s the second-born in a family of four children. His parents say he has been requesting for them to send him to school like his older brother, but they have not been able to enroll him in kindergarten due to his health condition. Both of his parents are small-scale farmers of maize and vegetables, which they use mainly for their food and only sell some of their harvest to be able to buy other basics.
Thomas was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. This condition started when Thomas was three years old, and over time his legs have worsened. His legs have curved inwards, forming knock knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Thomas now walks with a gait and has pain after a long day of play and walking.
Thomas’ parents initially wanted to seek treatment for him, but the village health clinic was not able to treat the condition and advised them to go to a referral hospital. This posed some financial challenges. Fortunately, through a community outreach program of Watsi’s Medical Partner Care Center called Plaster House, Thomas was able to be sent to ALMC Hospital, traveling over twelve hours from their village. Thomas has been scheduled to have both of his legs corrected through surgery, but his parents cannot afford the cost of his care and are in need of financial support.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Thomas. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 20th. Treatment will hopefully restore Thomas’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Thomas’ father shared, “We wish to see our son walk well like other normal children, but due to financial challenges we have not been able to afford his treatment cost. Please help us.”