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Success! Erick from Tanzania raised $935 to fund clubfoot repair surgery.

Erick
100%
  • $935 raised, $0 to go
$935
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Erick's treatment was fully funded on December 28, 2022.

Photo of Erick post-operation

January 15, 2023

Erick underwent clubfoot repair surgery.

Erick’s surgery was successful and he has begun post-operative treatment. After his future follow-ups, his progress will determine if he requires more surgery but he is currently healing well. This treatment will help Erick with his day-to-day activities making it easy for him to be part of his daily activities without enduring pain from his foot.

Erick says, “Thank you for being part of my journey. May God bless you.”

Erick's surgery was successful and he has begun post-operative treatment. After his future follow-ups, his progress will determine if he req...

Read more
December 15, 2022

Erick is a 10-year old boy, and the oldest of four siblings. He and his family live in Tanzania, where Erick particularly enjoys studying Kiswahili, civics and mathematics, with an eye towards becoming a businessman when he grows up. When he isn’t studying, he is out playing with his friends, or helping to do chores around the house. Erick’s parents work as farmers, an occupation that has proved increasingly daunting, in light of the drought that has lasted for three years already.

Erick has been diagnosed with a right clubfoot. A surgery he underwent previously caused his right leg to be slightly twisted downward and inward, making it difficult and painful for him to walk long distances. He requires another procedure to help correct his right leg, but his parents are unable to afford the medical bill, and are appealing for help.

Fortunately, Erick sought assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. It is there, on December 15th, that surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery, which will enable Erick to walk more easily, to continue with his studies, and to pursue his dreams, without having to contend with his clubfoot. Now Erick’s family needs your help to fund his procedure, which will cost $935.

Erick says: “I feel like it will be hard for me to achieve my dreams with my current foot condition. I appeal for your support.”

Erick is a 10-year old boy, and the oldest of four siblings. He and his family live in Tanzania, where Erick particularly enjoys studying K...

Read more

Erick's Timeline

  • December 15, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Erick was submitted by SAFE Program Admin, SAFE Program Admin at African Mission Healthcare.

  • December 15, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Erick received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • December 21, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Erick's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • December 28, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Erick's treatment was fully funded.

  • January 15, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Erick's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 8 donors

Funded by 8 donors

Treatment
Clubfoot
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $935 for Erick's treatment
Hospital Fees
$693
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$8
Supplies
$175
Labs
$14
Other
$45
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The foot is turned inward, often severely, at the ankle, and the arch of the foot is very high. Patients experience discomfort, and the affected leg may be shorter and smaller than the other.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

These children have a difficult time walking and running. Years of trying to walk on a clubfoot will cause wounds and other skeletal problems, such as arthritis. Patients will have difficulty fitting in shoes and participating in normal play, school, and daily activities. Many Africans make their livings through manual labor, which can be difficult with an untreated clubfoot.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Incidence is 1/1,000 live births, or about 1,600 cases in Tanzania annually. This is roughly similar to rates in Western countries, though many cases may be missed. There is no known reason for its occurrence in this region.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Patients will undergo a series of small operations, casting, and manipulations during their course of treatment. Patients will stay in the Plaster House, a rehabilitation center for children in Tanzania, for as long as their recovery takes.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The bones and joint will become aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Clubfoot is very treatable. The surgery is minor and not risky.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. If not treated, the condition will persist and will result in disability.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.