“Olomelok is a polite, four-year-old boy,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us. Olomelok is the fifth born child in his family, who lives in Tanzania. Currently, he lives with his uncle who is a primary school teacher.
“Olomelok was born perfectly fine, but one year ago his legs slowly started to bow inwards causing him to knock his knees when walking,” explains AMHF. Doctors have concluded that he has a condition called “bilateral genu valgus,” causing his knees to angle inwards and touch one another even when his legs are straightened.
“A long distance walk causes him to feel pain in his knees,” explains AMHF. “If not treated, Olomelok’s gait will continue to be affected and the chances of his developing osteoarthritis at an early age will increase.”
To ensure that Olomelok’s gait is not impacted long-term, he requires what is called “guided growth” treatment. This entails a surgery to implant plates at the apex of the bowing to guide the bones to grow more uniformly.
Doctors anticipate that this treatment will correct the angle of his legs in twelve months time. After a year, the plates are removed and Olomelok should be able to walk without pain.
With a teacher’s salary, Olomelok’s uncle cannot save enough money for the surgery while continuing to support his family. He is hoping that Watsi donor’s can help fund the treatment so that Olomelok’s condition does not worsen, causing him to get behind in school.
With our support of $940, Olomelok will receive the treatment he needs. Funding will cover his surgical costs, hospital stay, medications, and physiotherapy.
“Education is what made me reach where I am now, and I want Olomelok to have the same opportunity to go to school, find a career, and live a better life and help others if possible,” says Olomelok’s uncle.
