Linet is a three-year-old girl from Tanzania who was born with unilateral clubfoot. “She uses the lateral aspect of her left foot for walking, which has affected her gait,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), reports.
Clubfoot is a developmental disorder characterized by an inward turned foot, due to short tendons connecting the tissues to the bones.
Though difficult for her to walk, Linet loves to play with toys and the other children in her village. “She is a serious little girl, but when around other children she has a beautiful smile,” AMHF shares.
To treat her condition, Linet will undergo a tenotomy surgery to release the overly tight tendon. She will then receive a cast to realign the foot and ankle joint. Without treatment, Linet is at risk of developing early onset osteoarthiritis.
The treatment, plus a four month stay in the Plaster House rehabilitation center, will cost $1,160. After treatment, “Linet’s gait will improve and the risk of developing osteoarthiritis will decrease,” AMHF explains.
“All I hope for is that my daughter will have the ability to walk properly,” Linet’s mother shares with us.