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Success! Agrey from Tanzania raised $935 to fund surgery on both of his feet.

Agrey
100%
  • $935 raised, $0 to go
$935
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Agrey's treatment was fully funded on October 30, 2022.

Photo of Agrey post-operation

November 21, 2022

Agrey underwent surgery so he can grow up healthy and active.

Agrey’s surgery was a success! He has completed casting and a tenotomy and is now wearing his first brace. Because of this surgery, Agrey will be able to walk easily as he grows up and have a full shot at a big life ahead.

Agrey’s mother says: “You have done so much in helping correct my son’s disabilities, and I can never thank you enough. God bless you so much.”

Agrey's surgery was a success! He has completed casting and a tenotomy and is now wearing his first brace. Because of this surgery, Agrey wi...

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May 12, 2022

Agrey is a five-month-old baby boy, and the first child born to his parents. Agrey was born with spina bifida and bilateral clubfoot. Agrey’s father, who is a truck driver at a local sand quarry, was able to find enough money to take Agrey to a referral hospital for assessment of his spina bifida. But their family could not afford to pay for the surgery necessary to correct this condition, which put Agrey at risk of losing the ability to use his lower limbs, and endangering his life in the event of a serious infection. They were referred to the Plaster House for help, and through Watsi funding, Agrey had his spina bifida corrected.

Agrey’s bilateral clubfoot also means that both of his feet are twisted out of shape, which would make it difficult for Agrey to walk when he gets older. Fortunately, Agrey’s family brought him to Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, our care partner’s health center. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on May 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund this procedure and his care. After treatment, Agrey’s feet will be straightened and he will be able to wear shoes and to walk easily as he grows up.

Agrey’s mother says: “My son has had his first surgery of his back and it was successful. He now needs to start treatment for his feet. Thank you for your help.”

Agrey is a five-month-old baby boy, and the first child born to his parents. Agrey was born with spina bifida and bilateral clubfoot. Agre...

Read more

Agrey's Timeline

  • May 12, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Agrey was submitted by Edward Mugane, Impact Assessment Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • May 13, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Agrey 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.

  • May 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Agrey's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • October 30, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Agrey's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 21, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Agrey's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 21 donors

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment
Clubfoot
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $935 for Agrey'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.