Said is a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania, and the third oldest in a family of six children. He was in class one, and enjoyed learning how to read and write as well as playing with other children. However, a condition of his lower limbs made it difficult for him to walk to school everyday, so he stopped going.
Said was born without any problems, but at age two, his bones started getting weak and his legs slowly started bowing outwards. He now wiggles when walking, he cannot run and he quickly gets tired. He was diagnosed with a condition called fluorosis.
Said’s parents are small scale farmers. They have a small piece of land given to them by Said’s grandparents. The little that they earn from farming is not enough to support their family as well as cover the cost of operation which Said needs.
With $940, Said will receive corrective surgery which will allow him to walk properly, and reduce the risk of him developing osteoarthritis at an early age. With this operation, Said will no longer tire as quickly when walking or playing with friends. “I would like to go back to school when I get better,” said Said.