Abby is a 10-year-old Grade 4 student from Kisumu County in Kenya. “I want to be a professional footballer like Messi,” says Abby with a big smile. He loves football so much that he plays every chance he gets, even though his foot hurts. His mother sometimes gets worried when she sees him running and playing, but Abby never gives up. Abby is the youngest in a family of four. His mother is a vegetable seller who works hard to care for her children.
In 2018, Abby fell and injured his right knee. He was taken to hospital, where doctors found he had an infection called septic arthritis. He underwent an arthrotomy washout procedure to treat it. After the surgery, his foot became weak and later developed a deformity. Now, Abby walks on his toes. He feels pain when walking and is unable to do so for long distances.
One day, Abby and his mother met a kind stranger who noticed his limp and told them about our medical partner care center, AIC Cure Hospital, where children with foot and bone problems are treated. Abby’s mother decided to take him there. At the hospital, Abby was reviewed and was diagnosed with acquired clubfoot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape, making it hard to even wear shoes and causing walking difficulties. Abby will need corrective surgery.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Abby receive treatment. On April 23rd, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery to relieve his pain, improve his leg’s function and help him work towards his dream of becoming a great footballer—just like Messi. Now, Abby’s family needs help to fund this $1,286 procedure.
“I can’t wait for my foot to be corrected so I can walk normally and play football without pain,” Abby shared with a smile.

