Gracious is three years old, and the only child in her family. She lives with her parents - her mother and father are small scale farmers, growing maize, beans and whey. Her father also works for Serengeti Balloon Safaris, a job to which he has only recently returned, after the disruptions in the tourist industry caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In September of last year, Gracious was playing with a friend on the verandah of her home. She stumbled over a stool that was sitting next to a charcoal stove, where a pot of beans was cooking. As a result of her fall, Gracious’ face, neck and chest were burned by hot steam from the pot of beans. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated, and sent home. However, as a result of the scarring from the burns, Gracious has developed contractures on her neck, making her unable to move her neck around, and causing her discomfort.
Gracious will need surgery to release these burn contractures. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Gracious to access the care that she needs. On October 11th, she will undergo a procedure at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre, that will enable her to move her neck more freely, and without pain. Now, her family needs your help to fund this $639 operation.
Gracious’ mother says: “I hope my child recovers fully and lives a normal life.”