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Success! Christian from Tanzania raised $838 to fund knee surgery.

Christian
100%
  • $838 raised, $0 to go
$838
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Christian's treatment was fully funded on April 3, 2020.

Photo of Christian post-operation

April 9, 2020

Christian underwent knee surgery.

Christian has had a successful surgery and treatment that helped correct his left leg, which had curved due to excessive fluoride in the water his family consumes. This was causing pain when walking and walking was generally challenging for him. Through this surgery, Christian will now be able to walk like other children and he can enjoy playing with others. Treatment also helps him be able to lead a normal life without discrimination due to disability.

Christian was able to start his ambulation with support on March 23rd and just had his cast removed.

Christian’s mother says, “I can’t thank you enough for this act of kindness, my son was suffering and yet I couldn’t afford his treatment cost but due to your help and support my son is now doing fine and almost recovering. Thank you once more and God bless you all.”

Christian has had a successful surgery and treatment that helped correct his left leg, which had curved due to excessive fluoride in the wat...

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February 10, 2020

Christian is a 21-month-old boy from Tanzania, and the second born child in a family of two children. He is a happy and cheerful little boy who is now learning numbers and he can count up to 10. Christian’s mother is a stay home mother and her husband earns his income by transporting people using his bicycle from one place to another.

Christian was diagnosed with genu varus, where his knee is bent outwards. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he experiences discomfort while walking and playing.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $838 to fund corrective surgery for Christian. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 28th. Treatment will hopefully restore Christian’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Christian’s mother says, “Please help my son get this treatment so that he may be able to walk well.”

Christian is a 21-month-old boy from Tanzania, and the second born child in a family of two children. He is a happy and cheerful little boy ...

Read more

Christian's Timeline

  • February 10, 2020
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • February 17, 2020
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Christian's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 28, 2020
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Christian 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.

  • April 3, 2020
    FULLY FUNDED

    Christian's treatment was fully funded.

  • April 9, 2020
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Christian's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 4 donors

Funded by 4 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $838 for Christian's treatment
Hospital Fees
$789
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.