Two years ago, Joshua’s mother noticed that Joshua’s legs had gradually begun bowing, and that Joshua couldn’t keep up with the other kids. Joshua’s feet eventually became so weak that he could no longer stand up.
Four-year-old Joshua was diagnosed with severe fluorosis, a limb deformity that prevents his feet from supporting the weight of his body. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, says, “If not treated, Joshua will never be able to walk.”
Joshua is an active boy from Tanzania who one day hopes to be able to run around and kick a ball. However, because Tanzania has one of the most under resourced and overburdened healthcare systems in the world, he has been unable to receive full treatment.
Joshua’s mother is a small scale farmer, and his father is employed at a small kiosk selling spare bicycle parts. They have exhausted their savings on Joshua’s treatment so far, and can no longer cover the cost of the operation Joshua needs.
$940 will cover the cost of Joshua’s operation, which will be conducted at Arusha Lutheran Christian Medical Centre. After the operation, Joshua will have straight legs and gain the ability to walk.
“All I hope for is my son to be able to walk,” shares Joshua’s mother.