Atanas is a playful and energetic three-year-old boy from Tanzania who loves to spend his time playing football with his siblings. He is the youngest of four children, living with both of his parents, who work tirelessly as small-scale farmers. Their livelihood depends on cultivating maize and beans on a small plot of land, just enough to feed the family and occasionally sell a little extra in the local market. Though they face many challenges, their home is filled with warmth, laughter, and love.
Atanas was diagnosed with genu varus, a condition in which his legs bow outward so that his knees cannot touch. 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. His mother first noticed the bending in Atanas’s legs when he started walking. At first, they thought it was just part of growing up, but as time went by, the bowing became more noticeable, and Atanas began to tire easily whenever he played or walked for long periods..
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $777 to fund treatment for Atanas. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 11th at our medical partner’s care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Atanas’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Atanas’s mother says, “I’m always positive in life, but my son makes me doubt if I’ll be able to provide Atanas with the care he needs.”