Audrian is a nine-year-old boy from Kenya. “I would love to be a driver so that I can travel to different places,” said Audrian, smiling.
When Audrian was born, his family quickly realized that one of his feet was different. He had clubfoot of his right foot, a condition in which the foot twists inward and downward, making it difficult to walk normally
Determined to help their son, Audrian’s family began searching for treatment options. For four months, his foot was placed in a series of casts to gradually correct its position. Afterward, he underwent surgery, and was fitted with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a brace designed to hold his foot in the correct position as he grew. Audrian wore the brace for a year, and his family was encouraged by the progress they saw. Eventually, they were told that he no longer needed the brace, because his foot had improved significantly.
However, as Audrian continued to grow, his family noticed that the condition had returned. Audrian had already endured months of casting, surgery, and discomfort. Watching him go through it all again felt like too much to ask of him or of them. Discouraged and afraid of putting him through more treatment, the family stopped pursuing care.
Over the years, Audrian learned to live with his condition. He adapted as best he could, figuring out how to walk and play despite the challenges. But the older he became, the harder life grew. As he has grown, his condition has affected more and more aspects of his life. Walking long distances leaves him exhausted, and he tires more quickly than other children. At school, some children laugh at the way he walks, and their hurtful words have stayed with him. Instead of joining in freely, Audrian sometimes withdraws and keeps to himself. More than once, he has arrived home in tears.
Audrian’s father noticed how much the condition was affecting his son’s confidence and happiness. He knew something needed to change. One day, while scrolling through social media, he came across a post from our medical partner’s care center, AIC Cure International Hospital, featuring photos of children whose lives had been transformed by treatment. Seeing their smiles and their ability to walk, run, and play again gave him hope. Now, for the first time in years, the family began to believe that a better future was possible.
On August 27th, surgeons at AIC Cure International Hospital will perform clubfoot repair surgery on Audrian. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,286 to fund this procedure. After treatment, Audrian’s confidence will be restored, and his dreams of playing football without pain and without fear of being laughed at will be realized. Today, as he begins his journey, his family is filled with hope that he will walk more comfortably and come to understand that his condition does not define who he is.
“We are really happy that finally, our son will be getting treatment. Your love and support are really appreciated,” Audrian’s dad said.
