Kafika House

Mosongo is a 13-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third-born in a family of eight children and lives in a pastoral household where grazing livestock is his primary responsibility. Mosongo completed his primary school but was unable to progress to secondary education because of the discomfort he experienced when walking long distances to school. His parents depend on animal keeping for their livelihood and face financial constraints in accessing specialized care. Mosongo was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. This condition began approximately two years ago and has caused both his legs to bow inward, making his knees touch. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. Mosongo has progressively experienced pain in his legs, particularly during cold seasons. Despite this discomfort, he continues to assist his family with daily herding activities. If left untreated, the condition could lead to worsening pain and further limitation of mobility. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Mosongo. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Mosongo's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Mosongo says, "I have always enjoyed going out with my friends for long walks and taking our cattle for grazing, but recently it has been hard because my legs hurt when I walk for a while."

Emmanuel is a 15-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is one of six children and has never attended school due to longstanding financial challenges following the loss of his father at a young age. Emmanuel’s mother is a livestock keeper who relies on selling animals to support the family. Emmanuel began experiencing bowing of both legs about four years ago, and has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Over time, the condition has worsened, causing him pain while walking and limiting his ability to graze livestock with other children in his community, which is an important daily responsibility for his family. His reduced mobility has affected both his independence and his contribution to household activities. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Emmanuel. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 3rd at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Emmanuel's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Emmanuel says, "I want to help my brothers at home, but my legs make it hard to help with any chores."

Evance is a four-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest of two children. His mother passed away two weeks after his birth, leaving his father as the sole caregiver. His father works as a motorcycle taxi driver and has limited income, but is committed to securing treatment so that Evance can walk comfortably, play freely, and enjoy a healthy childhood. Evance was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. This has caused progressive inward bending of his knees. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Evance began experiencing pain and fatigue when walking even short distances. Despite this, he remains active, playful, and attends preschool. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Evance. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 6th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Evance's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Evance's father says, “When he walks long distances, he complains of pain and gets tired quickly, even though he wants to play and move like other children. I have hope that with his treatment, he will be well enough to play comfortably with the rest of the children.”

Qanitah is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the second-born in a family of three children and lives with her parents and extended relatives. Qanitah sustained burn injuries to both hands at a very young age. The burns mildly affected her right wrist joint and severely involved the fingers of both hands, leading to fusion and restricted movement. As she grew, the condition has increasingly limited her ability to use her hands independently for daily activities. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Qanitah receive treatment. On February 6th, surgeons at their care center, Kafika House, will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to restore hand function and allow Qanitah to live a more independent and meaningful life. Without surgical release, the contractures will continue to limit hand function and affect her future independence, including future school participation and self-care. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Qanitah's mother says, “She wants to hold things and feed herself like other children, but her fingers cannot open properly, and that breaks my heart.”

Loishorwa is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents, who are livestock keepers, and he is the fourth child in a family of four. His daily life includes helping with light household tasks and caring for animals after school. He is currently in class one and enjoys being around other children. Loishorwa was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, affecting the alignment of his legs. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. The condition causes discomfort when he walks or stands for long periods and makes physical activities more difficult. Although he is motivated to attend school and participate in play, his mobility limitations reduce his endurance and confidence. This surgery and recovery care will help ensure that Loishorwa can remain active in school. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Loishorwa. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 10th at our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Loishorwa's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Loishorwa's father says, “He gets tired and complains of pain when walking to school, and he cannot move as freely as other children.”

Samwel is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fifth child in a family of six. His mother is a farmer, and his father keeps livestock. Samwel has clubfoot on his left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. The tissues connecting the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual, and this causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. As the pain increased, Samwel began missing school and eventually dropped out because walking to and from class became too difficult. His family had never sought specialized treatment before, as they were unaware that corrective care was available. Through a village outreach visit, Samwel was identified and referred to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Samwel will begin clubfoot treatment on February 10th, and he needs help raising $1,119 to fund his care. After treatment, he will be able to walk without pain and return to school, restoring his chance at education and a productive future. Samwel's father says, “He stopped going to school because of the pain he experiences while walking, and I fear for his future if he fails to be treated.”

Fadhili is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. His father is a small business owner, and his mother is a housewife. Fadhili was brought to the hospital by his father because of burn scar contractures affecting his left hand. Fadhili's injury occurred last year when he succumbed to a burn on the fourth and fifth fingers of his left hand. Initially, the family managed the wound at home due to limited access to healthcare. As a result, Fadhili struggles to open his hand fully and has difficulty holding objects or feeding himself. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Fadhili receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to help restore Fadhili's hand movement and prevent long-term disability. This early intervention will allow Fadhili to grow and develop without functional limitations. AMH is requesting $832 to fund this procedure. Fadhili's father says, “His burned fingers are tight and cannot open well, so he cannot hold things like other children.”

Joshua is a 12-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with his parents, who are livestock keepers, and is one of five children in the family. Joshua is currently in middle school and is described as a bright and responsible child. He enjoys completing his homework and helping care for animals after school. Joshua dreams of becoming a politician when he grows up. For the last three years, Joshua has experienced limited hand movement, making tasks such as writing, feeding himself, and helping with household chores difficult. His doctors recommend an amputation of Joshua's left hand, which has a burn scar with contractures involving multiple fingers. This will prevent his symptoms from getting worse as he grows. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Joshua's surgery on February 17th. Once completed, this procedure will hopefully help improve his health and quality of life. After recovering, Joshua is looking forward to improved hand function that will enable him to regain independence in daily activities and continue developing his leadership potential without physical barriers. Joshua's father says, “He cannot grip objects well because some fingers are damaged and tight from the scar.”

Joyce is a 14-year-old girl from Tanzania. She lives with her parents and four siblings in a pastoralist Maasai community. She is currently in Standard Six at a local primary school and is known by her teachers as a determined and respectful student. Joyce has been living with a severe extensor tendon contracture and burn scar contracture affecting her right hand and wrist. Over the years, the condition has gradually limited her ability to open her hand, extend her wrist, and use her fingers effectively. Despite these challenges, Joyce remains committed to being productive. She has adapted by using her left hand for writing and most school activities, which has slowed her work and made classroom tasks more difficult. At home, she participates in household chores, but tasks that require gripping, lifting, or two-handed coordination are hard for her. Simple activities like carrying water, washing clothes, or holding tools can be painful and frustrating. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Joyce receive treatment. On February 18th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to significantly improve her ability to write, care for herself, and participate fully in school and home life. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Joyce says, “I try to do everything with my left hand, but it is slow and difficult. I would desire my right hand to work so I can write and do my schoolwork without struggle.”

Melau is an eight-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is the fifth child in a large family, and her parents depend on livestock and farming for income. Access to specialized care has been limited due to distance and cost. When she was younger, Melau accidentally got burned by hot milk. She now has a severe burn scar affecting her right wrist and hand. The injury led to deep burns and later severe tightening of the scar, leaving her wrist stiff and her hand function reduced. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Melau receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons at their care center will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to give her a chance for improved independence and daily function. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Melau's father says, “Her wrist is very tight and painful, and she cannot use her hand normally for playing or helping at home.”

Gevan is a one-year-old boy from Tanzania. He lives with both parents and his sibling. His parents depend on hourly wages working at a factory. Gevan was brought to our medical partner's care center, Kafika House, by his parents. He had burn scar contractures affecting the left hand, specifically the index and middle fingers. The injury has reduced the range of motion in his fingers, making it difficult for him to grip toys and use his hand normally during play and feeding. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Gevan receive treatment. On February 17th, surgeons will perform contracture release surgery and a skin graft to improve mobility. He is a cheerful and cooperative child, and his parents are hopeful that with timely treatment, he will grow up with full use of his hand and independence in daily activities. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Gevan's mother says, “His fingers cannot bend properly, so he struggles to pick up and hold small objects.”

Fabiano is a 14-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the third child in a family of eight children. His parents depend on small-scale farming and seasonal work to support the household, which makes it difficult to afford advanced surgical care. Despite these challenges, Fabiano remains active and motivated. He attends primary school and performs well in class. He enjoys reading and participating in group discussions, and he hopes to become a religious leader in the future. When he was one year old, Fabiano sustained a burn injury to his hand in a household fire. He received first aid at a nearby clinic, but as the wound healed, thick scar tissue formed and tightened, limiting the movement of his fingers and thumb. The contracture in his hand makes it difficult for him to write for long periods, grip objects firmly, and participate fully in practical school activities. His doctors recommend an amputation of the forth finger on his right hand and contracture release for the other fingers. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,088 to fund Fabiano's surgery. After recovering, Fabiano is looking forward to doing his daily tasks such as holding tools, carrying items, and helping with chores. Fabiano says, “I want to use my hand like other students—to write well in class and hold things without pain. Treatment will help me continue my studies with confidence.”