Meet Jennifer, a bubbly one-year-old girl from Tanzania. Jennifer is raised by a single mother who dreams of one day opening a hair salon to help support her daughter. For now, Jennifer’s mother struggles to come up with enough money to sustain the two of them.
“She loves her daughter and she is determined to do all that she can to take her to school when the time comes,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation.
Jennifer has bilateral clubfoot, which means that she only uses the sides of her feet when trying to walk. If she continues to walk this way, she is at risk of developing early osteoarthritis and having a permanently affected gait. Luckily, Jennifer can receive treatment that can correct this problem now, as she is learning to walk. The cost of the treatment is $1160. With treatment, Jennifer will be able to walk normally, and will not be at heightened risk for early bone loss.
Jennifer’s mother explains, “I want the best for my daughter and for her to live a better life than me. I am sure she will be better off with straight feet as she will be able to walk properly and quickly and that will allow her to walk to school and pursue her dreams.”