Meet Elias, an 18-year old boy from Tanzania. First born in a family of six children, he helps his father herd the cattle they sell. Elias needs to walk long distances to help his father, but he suffers from genu valgum, commonly called “knock-knee.” With this condition, his knees angle in and touch when he straightens his legs. The uneven weight distribution on his knees causes severe pain and problems with walking.
“He walks with difficulty and takes longer to reach places due to knocking his knees when walking. Elias is prone to early osteoarthritis if not treated,” the African Mission Healthcare Foundation writes. “I really want to go to school,” says Elias who can no longer attend classes due to his condition.
For $555, we can fund an osteotomy to correct Elias’ knee. Doctors expect, “Elias’ gait will tremendously improve, he will be able to walk faster and longer distances and chances of developing early osteoarthritis will decrease.” Regaining his ability to walk normally and free of pain will be a massive change in his life, and will enable Elias to better help his father and return to school!