“Our hope is Shangwe’s fingers will be released so that she can use her hands properly,” says Shangwe’s mother.
Meet Shangwe, a four-year-old girl from Tanzania who has congenital contractures in both of her hands–a shortening of muscles that prevents movement. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) reports, “Shangwe is having a hard time using her hands due to the contracture of her fingers. Holding things is quite difficult.”
Shangwe is the youngest of five children in her family. AMHF continues, “She likes to run around with other children and also playing hide and seek. Shangwe’s parents are livestock keepers. With three children who are going to school, coming up with enough cash to pay for Shangwe’s surgery has been difficult.”
For $550, we can fund a contracture release, which will increase Shangwe’s mobility in her hands. AMHF concludes, “Shangwe will be able to use her fingers and have the ability to perform many activities without difficulties.” Shangwe will also be able to return to playing games with her friends.