Maria is a 16-year-old girl who hails from a sizable family comprising of six siblings. Following her father’s death, they are now under the care of their single mother in Karatu, Arusha region. Despite facing challenges such as a delayed milestone condition, Maria is currently a secondary school student. Initially experiencing delays in sitting, walking, and running, as well as intellectual development, Maria spent much of her time indoors with her parents. Despite difficulty blending in with her peers, she now relishes attending school and excels in her classes. Her notable success in primary national exams paved the way for a promising secondary education.
Maria’s healthcare journey began when she was three years old when her parents observed her leg twisting downward. Maria has clubfoot of right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Financial constraints prevented them from addressing her medical needs, and despite this condition, Maria discovered joy in life through participation in a choir.
Recently, Maria’s family learned about our partner Kafika house and their services. Filled with hope, Maria’s mother and brother embarked on a journey, leaving the center with optimism about her foot condition. Following introductions, an assessment was done by the team there.
Now the team will begin her clubfoot treatment on December 15th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Maria's clubfoot repair. After treatment, Maria's mobility will significantly improve and she can continue chasing big dreams.
Maria says: “I hope my leg improves. Walking long distances can be exhausting, and I look forward to being able to enjoy dancing while singing in the choir.”