Read our powered by our community 🙌 Check out our 🙌
Meet another patient

Watsi logo blueWatsi

Success! Vedastus from Tanzania raised $880 for corrective surgery to allow him to walk again.

Vedastus
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Vedastus's treatment was fully funded on September 28, 2021.

Photo of Vedastus post-operation

October 6, 2021

Vedastus underwent corrective surgery to allow him to walk again.

Vedastus’s surgery went well and he’s had both of his legs corrected successfully. He currently has a long leg cast on both legs and is on bed rest as he heals. Soon he’ll start his ambulation and have support as he gains strength and starts walking. Through this surgery, Vedastus will be able to grow up healthy. He’ll walk without feeling pain and be able to walk more comfortably without falling.

Vedastus’s mother says, “God bless you for your kind hearts. My son would still be struggling to walk if it was not for your help.”

Vedastus’s surgery went well and he's had both of his legs corrected successfully. He currently has a long leg cast on both legs and is on b...

Read more
September 1, 2021

Vedastus is a two-year-old boy and the only child of his young parents. He’s a friendly boy who is currently having a hard time walking because his legs bow outwards. Vedastus’ mother works at a local food joint as a cook. Her income is not much, but enables her to support and care for her son. Vedastus’ father is still in college studying, which leaves Vedastus’ mother as the only parent with an income.

Vedastus was diagnosed with fluorosis - genu varus, where his legs bowing outwards so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Vedastus cannot walk well and he is in pain.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Vedastus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Vedastus’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Vedastus’s mother says “I am the only person working to be able to provide for our son. The father of my son is still studying and my income is not enough to care for Vedastus and afford his treatment cost. Please help us, he needs treatment for his leg because he is struggling to walk.”

Vedastus is a two-year-old boy and the only child of his young parents. He's a friendly boy who is currently having a hard time walking beca...

Read more

Vedastus's Timeline

  • September 1, 2021
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Vedastus was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • September 1, 2021
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Vedastus's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 17, 2021
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Vedastus received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • September 28, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Vedastus's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 6, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Vedastus's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 24 donors

Funded by 24 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Vedastus's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$0
Labs
$23
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The bones and joints will be aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.