Patrick is a five year old boy from Kenya. He has four siblings and lives with his parents. Patrick’s parents are peasant farmers, often subsidizing their income with hired casual labor in other people’s farms. Patrick’s family lives in a grass thatched house in the village.
Patrick suffers from Chronic Osteomyelitis - severe bone or bone marrow infection. Medical bills have driven the family into financial strain, forcing them to sell their ancestral land to meet the cost of care.
Patrick’s left leg started swelling in November 2013. He is not able to walk well and has not been able to join school because of this condition. He has had several surgeries to stop the infection by removing the dead areas on the bone.
Following the prior surgeries, Patrick has had complications. Doctors recommend additional surgery to remove the damaged tissue, followed by a skin graft. If left untreated, Patrick may need to have his leg amputated, which may result in death. The family has exhausted the funds they had after selling family land. They appeal for our financial assistance.
Patrick’s mother says, “I want my child to be well, he might be a great leader.”