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Success! Philip from Tanzania raised $880 to fund corrective surgery so he can walk well.

Philip
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Philip's treatment was fully funded on July 10, 2022.

Photo of Philip post-operation

July 18, 2022

Philip underwent corrective surgery so he can walk well.

Philip’s surgery was a success! He is recovering well, with a big smile on his face! Philip will wear a cast during the recovery process and rest in bed as his leg heals. Upon full recovery, Philip will be able to walk easily without any pain.

Philip’s mother said, “God bless you so much for what you have done to my son. I will never forget this gesture of kindness.”

Philip's surgery was a success! He is recovering well, with a big smile on his face! Philip will wear a cast during the recovery process and...

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April 7, 2022

Philip is a charming, friendly, and talkative three-year-old boy, and the youngest child in a family of six children. Philip’s family has experienced financial challenges, and they are supported by their church. Philip does not attend school yet, but some of his siblings have their education are sponsored and are doing well in school.

Philip has been diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus, a condition in which the knees angle inward and touch one another when the legs are straightened. The condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has difficulty walking.

Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Philip receive medical treatment. On April 8th, he will undergo corrective surgery at AMH’s care center. Treatment will hopefully restore Philip’s mobility, allowing him to attend school, participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications.

Philip’s mother shared, “please help my son, he is struggling to walk.”

Philip is a charming, friendly, and talkative three-year-old boy, and the youngest child in a family of six children. Philip's family has ex...

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Philip's Timeline

  • April 7, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Philip was submitted by Robert Kariuki, Process Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • April 8, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Philip 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.

  • April 12, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Philip's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • July 10, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Philip's treatment was fully funded.

  • July 18, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Philip's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 12 donors

Funded by 12 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Philip's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$0
Labs
$23
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

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

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

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

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

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

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

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

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. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.

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.