Mathayo is a nine-year-old boy and the fourth born of his mother who has seven children. Their family is dependent on livestock keeping to make a living and support their large family.
In the Fall of 2013, Mathayo was left in the hut sleeping, while his mother was out in the field herding goats. The bed he was sleeping in was close to an open fire place, which was unknowingly still hot from remnants of hot coals underneath the ash. Upon waking up from his afternoon nap, Mathayo got out of bed, however, as he crawled across the floor, he ran his left leg through the hot ashes, sustaining severe burns. As a result of his burns, he cannot walk long distances, herd livestock, fetch water, or go to school.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Mathayo receive the life-changing treatment he needs. On March 4th, surgeons at their care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, will perform a burn contracture release surgery, which will allow Mathayo to walk without pain, and live out a higher-quality life. African Mission Healthcare is asking for $874 to help fund Mathayo’s procedure.
Mathayo says, “I will be so happy if my foot is treated because it will help me wear shoes and walk without feeling pain.”