Mika is a five-year-old boy from Tanzania who lives with his parents and sisters in a rural farming community.
Mika was born a healthy baby, but when he was two years old his legs started to bend in different directions. His parents noticed this change, but could not afford to take him to the hospital. As Mika grew, his legs continued to bend, making it painful and difficult to walk.
“I could not afford my son’s treatment,” Mika’s mother said. “But I knew I would not stop until he was well again.”
Mika and his family sought treatment at our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, where doctors diagnosed him with windswept legs, a condition in which his right leg is bent outwards and his left leg is bent inwards.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $838 to cover the cost of corrective knee surgery. Mika is scheduled for his operation on June 16. After treatment, he will be able to walk and play without pain.
“Thank you so much for this,” Mika’s mother says.