Meet Joshua, a 26-year-old young man from Nigeria. Our medical partner, Hope for West Africa (HFWA), describes Joshua as “a vibrant young man with a bright future ahead. He likes reading and playing basketball, but because of his health he has had to stop playing for the meantime.” Joshua has chronic osteomyelitis—an infection of one’s bones and bone marrow.
Due to his osteomyelitis, Joshua experiences discharge from his sinuses, along with excruciating pain that limits his physical activity and ability to focus on his studies. As the sixth of seven children born to parents who are now retired, Joshua and his family cannot afford the surgery that he needs.
With $1,474 in funding, this surgery will be made possible for Joshua. Doctors will remove the infected tissue or bone and prevent the spread of the infection, relieving Joshua of his pain and allowing him to walk. HFWA tells us, “Joshua is looking forward to walking properly without pain, as that will enable him to focus on his studies.”