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Success! Neylan from Tanzania raised $880 to fund corrective surgery so she can walk and play.

Neylan
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Neylan's treatment was fully funded on November 29, 2022.

Photo of Neylan post-operation

December 14, 2022

Neylan received corrective leg surgery so she can walk and play.

Neylan had a surgery to correct both of her legs that were bowed making walking difficult and painful for her. Through this surgery, Neylan will now walk much more easily and can lead a full, active life.

Neylan’s mother says, ‘’Helping both of my children to have their legs corrected is the biggest help I have ever received from anyone. God bless you so much.’’

Neylan had a surgery to correct both of her legs that were bowed making walking difficult and painful for her. Through this surgery, Neylan ...

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July 7, 2022

Neylan is a three-year-old girl and the first-born child in a family of two children. She is a charming girl who loves to play with her baby brother. Her father is a teacher at a local college while the mother is a housewife. Despite having a job, it is hard for her father to earn enough to provide and care for his wife and two children.

Neylan was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, her legs bow outward at the knee. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she has difficulty walking and playing. Her baby brother is also in need of treatment, which causes stress and worry for their family.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Neylan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 8th. Treatment will hopefully restore Neylan’s mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications.

Neylan’s mother says, “Please help me, my children’s legs are being deformed and we are worried.”

Neylan is a three-year-old girl and the first-born child in a family of two children. She is a charming girl who loves to play with her baby...

Read more

Neylan's Timeline

  • July 7, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • July 11, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Neylan's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • July 12, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Neylan 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.

  • November 29, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Neylan's treatment was fully funded.

  • December 14, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Neylan's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 20 donors

Funded by 20 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Neylan's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
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.