Edwin is a 25-year-old young man from Kenya. He has just begun building his life and is looking forward to a promising future. He is single and completed Information Technology in Business Management. Although finding stable employment had been difficult, Edwin remained determined to make a living and support himself. He took up casual jobs while searching for better opportunities.
In January 2026, while on his way home, Edwin was struck by a speeding car and thrown into a ditch, sustaining a severe open fracture of his right tibia. He was rushed to a health facility near his home, but the injury was extensively contaminated. What followed was a long and difficult journey involving several operations. He initially underwent surgical washout and later had an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the fracture. Although the surgery was initially successful, he subsequently developed an opening in the lateral aspect of his leg with a persistent draining sinus and a wound that failed to heal. Because of the complexity of his condition, Edwin was referred to our medical partner’s care center, AIC Kapsowar Hospital, for further care. An examination revealed extensive necrotic soft tissue around the distal tibia wound, including necrosis involving part of the Achilles tendon. There was also non-viable bone, requiring extensive surgical debridement.
Edwin was taken back to the operating theater and underwent several complex procedures, including placement of an Ilizarov external fixator and provisional fixation of the distal tibia using mini-plates. In an effort to cover the extensive soft-tissue defect and give his leg a chance to heal, he later underwent a left anterolateral thigh fasciocutaneous free flap with microvascular free-tissue transfer to the defect. Initially, Edwin did well after the procedure. Unfortunately, the flap later failed because of progressive infection. Despite antibiotic treatment, the infection remained difficult to control. He was subsequently placed on broad-spectrum antibiotics and planned for further surgery, including extensive sequestrectomy and placement of an antibiotic spacer to address the infected and non-viable bone. Edwin has now returned for further management. The orthopedic team is planning additional surgery, including ORIF and bone grafting, although ankle fusion may also be necessary to achieve stability and preserve the limb. Throughout this long and painful journey, Edwin has remained hopeful.
Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner can help. On August 11th, Edwin will undergo surgery that will allow doctors to save his leg. Edwin is hopeful he will regain his independence, return to a productive life, and continue pursuing the future he had worked so hard to build. Now, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,014 to fund this procedure.
Edwin says, It’s the best feeling to be well and be able to walk without support. Been on crutches for 7 months and hoping one day I will walk independently. I know my recovery journey will be quite long, but trusting in God. My parents and I have gone through a lot, both physically and financially.”