Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC)

Sesilia is a 12-year-old student from Tanzania who was born and raised in the remote village of a Maasai community where her parents are subsistence farmers. She enjoys art classes and has a passion for painting and writing short stories. It is her dream to be a portrait painter. In 2013, while staying with her grandmother, Sesilia was involved in an accidental fire that burnt her right arm and chest. Sesilia's wounds took three months to heal and left her with damaged skin on her right hand and chest that limited her mobility. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Sesilia with treatment. On March 10th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help her use her hand freely. Now, she needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Sesilia says, “I would like to be able to fully use my right hand. I wish I’ll be able to help with heavy chores around the house and at school.”

Rajai is a 13-year-old student from Tanzania. He loves science classes and enjoys playing football and racing track at school. At home, his parents and two older siblings are farmers who rely on the crop yield to support the family. When Rajai was 8 years old, he stumbled while playing with his siblings and fell, injuring his left arm. Although his parents rushed him to the hospital, the skin and fingers on his left hand were damaged. As a result, he isn't able to use his arm in most of his day-to-day activities. At school, he feels self-conscious when new people are shocked upon seeing his injury. Rajai would also like to help more around the farm at home, but feels that his hand limits him. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Rajai with treatment. On March 9th, surgeons at their care center will perform a burn contracture release surgery to help him use his hand freely again. Now, he needs help to fund this $832 procedure. Rajai says, “I am hopeful that this treatment will increase my confidence around new people.”

Abel is a two-month-old baby from Tanzania. He lives with his parents and six siblings in the Maasai community of Namalulu. Abel was born with clubfoot on both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which will make it difficult for Abel to wear shoes or walk. Fortunately, Abel was brought to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Now he is scheduled to undergo clubfoot repair surgery on March 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $935 to fund Abel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and live a life free from discomfort. Abel’s father says: “It is our hope that Abel gets treatment and has a good life ahead.”

Mercy is a two-month-old baby who is the only child of two loving parents. Mercy's mother stays at home with her, while her father is a small-scale farmer and cattle breeder. Mercy has clubfoot on her left foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Mercy traveled to visit our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, where surgeons will perform her clubfoot repair surgery on March 17th. Now African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $935 to fund Mercy's clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will be able to walk easily and live a life free from mobility constraints. Mercy’s mother says, “I hope that our daughter’s future will not be affected by the condition she is born with.”

Janet is a 6-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is a bright-eyed, curious girl living in a remote village called Manyus, Tanzania. She is the second youngest of five children, raised by her hardworking parents, who do everything possible to provide for their family. Her father is a farmer and cattle breeder; however, due to the fluctuating prices of crops and cows, he struggles to make enough money to provide for his family. From a young age, Janet's legs started bowing, making it difficult to walk, run, or play like other children her age. Janet was able to reach our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), where she was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. Her legs bow outward so that her knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, often stemming from contaminated drinking water. AMH is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Janet. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th. Treatment will hopefully restore Janet's mobility, allow her to participate in various activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Janet’s mother says, “We are concerned about her future. I hope my daughter will be better after this treatment.”

Sayuni, who is 4 years old, lives with her mother and two siblings in Tanzania. Sayuni's mother sells local bites like buns and Vitumbua- coconut rice pancakes- by the roadside to try and make ends meet. Sayuni was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, which causes her legs to bow outward at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, stemming from the consumption of contaminated drinking water. As a result of her condition, Sayuni has a difficult time walking and playing. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Sayuni. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Sayuni's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Sayuni’s mother says: “I have hope that my daughter will be able to walk better after the treatment.”

Laurecia is a 19-year-old tailor living in Tanzania. When she was about two years old, her parents noticed her legs bowing outwards. They did not seek treatment, however, due to financial challenges. Laurecia, who is a very determined young woman, was able to complete her Form 4 studies and pursue her passion for tailoring, enrolling in a vocational school where she could hone her skills. Laurecia was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, stemming from the consumption of contaminated drinking water. As a result of her condition, Laurecia has a difficult time walking and doing the work of a tailor. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Laurecia. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment will restore Laurecia's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Laurecia says: “I have lived with this condition for too long. I’m hopeful for the future now that I am about to start treatment.”

Lolutori is a 7-year-old boy from Tanzania. He and his two siblings live with their parents, who are nomads. For the past two years, the family has been going through a difficult time due to a severe drought, which has made water and food scarce. The family has had to move frequently in search of better pastures for their animals. Lolutori has been diagnosed with genu valgus, or bow legs. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, due to the consumption of contaminated drinking water. Because of this condition, Lolutori experiences difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Lolutori. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Lolutori's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Lolutori’s father says: “With our living condition, him not being able to walk properly makes it hard for the family. We hope he will be able to walk properly like his siblings.”

Junior is a happy and playful five-year-old boy who lives with his grandmother in Dodoma, Tanzania. Junior's mother, who is a single parent, works as a housemaid in Arusha- 450 miles from Dodoma- and sends her earnings to her mother, who cares for Junior. Junior was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition where his legs bow inward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which is often a byproduct of consuming contaminated drinking water. As a result, Junior has difficulty walking. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Junior. The procedure is scheduled to take place on April 17th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. Treatment should restore Junior's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. Junior’s mother says: “I am constantly worried about his future because his legs keep getting worse over time. I hope he will get better with this treatment.”

Alisa is two weeks old and the firstborn in her family. She lives with her parents- who are overjoyed to welcome her into the world- in Tanzania, where her father works at Asante Rabi Express, while her mother sells harvested crops at a local shop. Alisa's mother noticed that her left leg appeared different from her right leg. Concerned about this, she sought advice from the doctor at the hospital. The doctor diagnosed Alisa with clubfoot, a very treatable condition. Alisa’s treatment involves a series of casts that will be changed every few weeks. The casts are designed to gradually shift her foot into the correct position. After the casting, she is going to have tenotomy surgery on her left foot, a minor procedure that will release the Achilles tendon. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $935 to fund Alisa's clubfoot repair surgery, which is scheduled for April 21st at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. As a result of her treatment, Alisa will be able to wear shoes and walk without feeling any discomfort. Alisa’s mother said: “The warm welcome made us feel safe and gave us hope that our daughter will be okay.”

Godson is a 4-month-old baby boy, the youngest in a family of six children. He lives with his parents and siblings in Singida, Tanzania. Both parents are farmers. They grow corn and sunflowers, which they use to make cooking oil. They sell cooking oil to earn money to support their family. Godson was born with a congenital condition in which his feet are twisted out of shape. The parents have been very concerned for their son. They've been to several different hospitals in the past three months seeking treatment with no success. Two weeks ago, while Godson's mother was out for a walk, a stranger saw Godson and approached the mother. The stranger explained his experience with his daughter who had a similar condition. After a brief conversation, the man directed her to the care center of our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), for a consultation. Godson's parents wasted no time traveling over 400km and finally arrived at AMH's care center with excitement. The doctors at AMH diagnosed Godson with clubfoot in both of his feet. Godson requires a treatment that involves a series of casting. Fortunately, AMH is able to provide treatment. After a brief talk with our team, Godson's parents understood the diagnosis and what treatment would be needed. The surgeons at AMH will perform clubfoot repair surgery on April 21st. AMH is requesting $935 to fund Godson's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily. Godson’s mother says, “After seeing my son I thought this will be his future. I am happy to know that his condition can be treated.”

Meet Eva, a beautiful two-week-old newborn from Tanzania! Her mother had a smooth delivery and is overjoyed with her new baby. Eva also has a sibling, and her family lives in a small, remote village. Eva’s family depends on small-scale agriculture for food and income. Unfortunately, agriculture has not been enough, and they are trying to find different sources of income, but with no success so far. Eva was born with clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, which causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Eva’s mother shared concerns about the challenges Eva will face growing up. Eva’s family traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center; on May 5th, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is requesting $935 to fund Eva’s clubfoot repair. After treatment and with proper therapy, Eva can learn to walk as she grows. Eva’s mother says, “I am relieved to hear that my daughter has a chance to get treatment that will help with her condition. I hope she grows to face no stigma in her life.”