“My dream is to become a lawyer,” says Claudia, a 20-year-old young woman from Tanzania. “When I am able to take myself to school, that is the career I will pursue.” Claudia currently lives with her cousin and has joined a tailoring class.
According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), Claudia has bilateral genu valgus, or knocked knees. This condition causes pain and prevents her from walking or standing for extended periods of time.
Claudia first noticed this condition when she was three years old, and it has gotten worse in the past two years. “Claudia is worried if nothing is done she may eventually fail to walk due to the pain which keeps on increasing,” AMHF shares. “Claudia is at high risk of developing osteoarthritis if not treated.”
“Claudia’s cousin has her own family to look after and unable to provide the funds needed for Claudia’s operation,” AMHF shares. “The same applies to Claudia’s parents who rely on leasing land to get their daily bread.”
$940 will fund a surgery and casting to correct Claudia’s condition. AMHF expects that after treatment “she will no longer feel the pain that has been disturbing her for a long time, and her chances of developing osteoarthritis at a young age will also decrease.”
