Grace is a 16-year-old girl from Tanzania. She is a Form Three student currently attending a local Secondary School and is passionate about pursuing arts subjects in her education.
Grace was diagnosed with severe bilateral genu varus. The condition has caused her legs to bow outwards causing her pain whenever she walks. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Grace’s lower limb condition developed gradually and was not adequately diagnosed during early childhood. Over time, the bowing became more pronounced, affecting her walking pattern and daily activities. If left untreated, the condition could lead to long-term pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty continuing her education. Grace and her family are seeking treatment to allow her to walk comfortably, remain in school, and pursue her academic aspirations.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Grace. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 6th at our medical partner’s care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Grace’s mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications.
Grace says, “Walking long distances is painful for me, and sometimes I fear my legs will stop me from continuing my education.”

