December 17, 2015
Two-year-old Gwaruga is a smiling little boy from Tanzania. He was born on January 1st, 2013 and will soon celebrate his third birthday. He was born with unilateral clubfoot, and uses the lateral aspect of his right foot when walking. He is in pain and his gait is affected. If left untreated, he may develop osteoarthritis.
“Gwaruga’s mother is the second wife to her husband who has two wives and a total of fifteen children,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “Gwaruga is very active and enjoys playing with all sorts of toys and tins. He also likes to play with mud making different shapes out of mud. He likes to hum when playing.”
Gwaruga’s parents are small scale farmers and rely on growing and selling maize and peanuts. With so many dependents, Gwaruga’s parents have not been able to come up with enough money to cover the cost of treatment which their son needs.
For $1,160, Gwaruga will receive treatment that includes surgery, casting, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. After completing treatment, “Gwaruga’s right foot will be straight allowing him to walk on plantigrade,” says AMHF.
“I will be happy to see my son able to walk properly like my other children,” his father says.
Two-year-old Gwaruga is a smiling little boy from Tanzania. He was born on January 1st, 2013 and will soon celebrate his third birthday. He ...
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January 29, 2016
Gwaruga received surgery to correct his gait.
“Gwaruga is on the initial treatment to correct unilateral clubfoot (right foot). The cast is changed once every week. Gwaruga is managing to walk with one leg casted. He walks around and plays with other children,” reports our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
“Serial casting will continue for a few more weeks followed by a small operation and the use of a night splint after that. Complete treatment will allow Gwaruga to walk on plantigrade and hence, improve his gait and reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis at a young age,” continues AMHF.
Gwaruga’s father says, “I am pleased with the progress of my son’s treatment. I am confident that in a few months time he will be able to properly step on his right foot making it easier to walk to school and do other activities. I am very grateful for the financial support. I wouldn’t have managed on my own.”
"Gwaruga is on the initial treatment to correct unilateral clubfoot (right foot). The cast is changed once every week. Gwaruga is managing t...
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