Israel is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He has a twin brother and is the last born in a family of four children. Israel is a little shy and likes to keep to himself most of the time. Israel’s parents separated when Israel was just a little baby and he and his twin brother stayed with their father. Israel’s father is a subsistence farmer who grows cabbages, tomatoes, and maize. They live in a two-bedroom wooden house and especially lately it has been difficult for Israel’s father to make ends meet because he is growing older and weaker.
Israel was diagnosed with genu varus. his legs are bowed so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty walking and has to drag his left foot which causes pain.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund mobility-restoring leg surgery for Israel. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 23rd. Treatment will hopefully restore Israel’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Israel’s father shared, “When my son gets well I will make sure he goes to school. I really want him to have a good and successful life.”