September 1, 2016
Marseli is 18 years old, and the eldest in a family of nine children from Tanzania. He never went to school, but he wishes to do so at some point in his life. Marseli used to enjoy playing football, but now due to severe genu valgus (or “knock knees”), he can no longer play. He walks with difficulty and often feels pain on his knees.
Marseli cannot remember when the problem started, but he remembers feeling weak on the knees and some pain as a child. Eventually he could not walk without knocking his knees.
Mareseli helps his parents with farm work, but he cannot do much. With such a large family to support and some children going to school, Marseli’s parents have not been able to come up with enough funds to cover the cost of surgery which their son needs. The surgery will allow Marseli to walk better, not get tired quickly, and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis at an early age.
“I wish to be able to work some more in the farm,” shared Marseli.
Marseli is 18 years old, and the eldest in a family of nine children from Tanzania. He never went to school, but he wishes to do so at some ...
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November 1, 2016
Marseli successfully received surgery to help him walk comfortably.
Marseli cannot remember when the problem started, but he remembers feeling weak in the knees and always in pain as a child. Eventually his pain led to severe genu valgus (or “knock knees”).
Today, Marseli’s doing great! His successful surgery has straightened out Marseli’s severely bent legs, allowing him now to be able to work without pain and look more normal than he has for years. The surgery has further reduced the risk of developing osteoarthritis at an early age.
“I am so grateful,” Marseli shares, “This is really life changing for me - I never thought it was possible.”
Marseli cannot remember when the problem started, but he remembers feeling weak in the knees and always in pain as a child. Eventually his p...
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