Melisa is a two-year-old living in Tanzania with her mother, father, and two siblings. She is currently in nursery school and loves to sing and play with her friends. Melissa’s mother works as a tailor, and her father works in construction.
When Melissa turned one and began to take her first steps, her mother noticed that her legs were bent at an odd angle. Her parents took her to the local hospital for medical attention, where she was diagnosed with genu varus. Genu varus is a congenital musculoskeletal condition in which the knees angle towards one another and touch when the legs are straightened. If left untreated, the condition can cause pain and result in difficultly walking.
Doctors have suggested that Melisa undergo surgery to correct her condition so that her legs grow and develop normally. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $835 to fund her operation, which will be performed on August 18. Melisa’s family is concerned about her condition but hopeful that with treatment she will have a bright future.