March 20, 2015
“I like watching and helping my mom prepare some tea and simple meals,” Laurent says. “When I grow up, I would like to become a famous chef.”
Meet Laurent, a seven-year-old boy from Tanzania. “Laurent was born with a congenital deformity of the foot, which is forcing him to use the lateral aspect of his feet for walking. If not treated, Laurent will most likely develop early osteoarthritis of the small bones,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Laurent is the oldest of three children in his family. He enjoys playing soccer, singing, and dancing. “Laurent’s parents are small scale farmers. They rely on growing and selling maize, beans, sunflower, and peanuts. Laurent’s parents try very hard to take good care of their children, but their seasonal income is not enough to cover their basic needs as well as pay for the treatment which Laurent needs badly,” continues AMHF.
For $1160, AMHF can operate on Laurent to fix his clubfoot. After treatment, “Laurent will be able to step on his feet normally. His gait will improve and he will have a reduced risk of developing osteoarthritis at a young age,” adds AMHF.
“I like watching and helping my mom prepare some tea and simple meals," Laurent says. "When I grow up, I would like to become a famous chef....
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April 27, 2015
Laurent received surgery to help him walk normally.
“Laurent is doing well,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “He is on the initial treatment to correct bilateral clubfoot. With one leg casted, Laurent cannot stay put, he runs around and joins other children playing various games.”
Laurent is very excited about his successful surgery. “I am really happy that I am on this treatment,” he tells us. “Just from seeing other successful cases, I know that I too will eventually be able to walk properly. When that time comes, I will work harder, help my mom at home and when I start school I’ll do my best. I am very thankful.”
AMHF tells us that Laurent will continue with serial casting, and later on undergo a small surgery. “This will be followed by the use of night splints. The same thing will be done to the other foot and at the end of it all, Laurent will be able to walk on plantigrade.”
"Laurent is doing well," reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). "He is on the initial treatment to corre...
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