“Rashidi is a soft spoken, but energetic, nine-year-old boy,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). He “is confident and likes to keep busy, either doing his homework or helping out at home. Rashidi likes science classes and enjoys playing football.”
Rashidi has a long history of foot-related injuries. AMHF explains that three years ago, Rashidi “went to play at their neighbor’s house with other children. As they were running around, Rashidi stepped on what he thought was just ashes, but underneath were [remnants] of burning shells of peanuts.” The accident caused severe burns throughout his foot and leg.
Although the burn has healed, Rashidi was left with a contracture on his right ankle—causing the skin to tighten and restrict his movement. The contracture causes Rashidi to be unable to walk properly or wear shoes.
AMHF informs us, “Rashidi’s parents are small scale farmers relying on growing and selling peanuts, maize and sunflower seeds. Their income is not enough to cover the cost of operation which Rashidi needs to straighten his ankle.”
With $550 in funding, Rashidi will undergo surgery to release the contracture in his right ankle. After surgery, Rashidi will receive corrective splints to support the injury as it heals.
Following three days under close hospital supervision, Rashidi will be admitted to Plaster House—a specialized children’s rehabilitation program. During his recovery at Plaster House, Rashidi will work closely with a physiotherapist to regain full use of his ankle.
“My wish is to become a medical doctor when I grow up,” Rashidi says.
