Richard is a three-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is an active and intelligent child who loves exploring his surroundings. With his curious nature, he eagerly inspects anything he comes across and often asks many questions as he tries to understand the world around him. His parents are small-scale farmers who cultivate maize and beans.
Richard was diagnosed with bilateral genu varus, a condition in which both legs bend outward at the knees, making it difficult for him to walk normally. Several factors could cause this condition, such as growth disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or excessive fluoride found in contaminated drinking water. As a result, the knees can be angled inwards or outwards, making it difficult to walk and may cause long-term joint damage. Treatment is expected to greatly improve his mobility and prevent long-term complications.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $810 to fund treatment for Richard. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 19th at our medical partner’s care center, Kafika House. Treatment will hopefully restore Richard’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.
Richard’s mother says, “It has been hard watching him grow up with this defect because it really affects him.”

