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Success! Kristine from the Philippines raised $1,211 for surgery to correct her gait.

100%

$1,211 raised, $0 to go

$1,211

raised

to go

Fully funded

Kristine's treatment was fully funded on April 7, 2016.

Kristine's story
Kristine's update

Photo of Kristine post-operation

May 7, 2016

Kristine underwent successful surgery to help her walk again.

“Treatment has brought great impact into the lives of Kristine and her family,” our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM) shares. “Now, Kristine only needs minimal supervision because she is more confident to walk on her own. She is not hesitant or afraid that she might fall. She can go to church without a companion, and took a bath without her mother’s assistance. The whole family is excited seeing her wearing shoes or slippers properly which she never did before.”

“Her mother wants to bring her to the places she has never been before, like a mall, market, or neighboring town,” ICM adds, “because she wants her to experience what is life outside. Previously, for Kristine, most her days were only spent in the house.”

“You are a truly a blessing to our family especially to Kristine,” her mother said. “Being a mother, it’s a huge joy into my heart to see my daughter can walk normally. Thank you for bringing new hope and inspiration to Kristine.”

"Treatment has brought great impact into the lives of Kristine and her family," our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM) sha...

March 18, 2016

25-year-old Kristine has a happy and outgoing personality. She lives in the Philippines with her mother, and she is loved by her family and fellow church members. She also loves to sing and dance with the other children in their church and community. If the church has an activity, she eagerly offers herself to help with any chores in the activity area.

Kristine was born with congenital clubfoot, a condition that impacts her gait.

Our medical partner, International Care Ministries (ICM), explains: “Kristine has difficulty in walking because of her left foot deformity. She also has seizure disorder but it is currently managed with medication. Her mother said that she was frequently teased by her classmates when she was still in elementary school because of the way she walked. Since then, she has not joined school; and everyday, she wishes that she could go back even in her age.”

Treatment for Kristine will cost $1,211, and consists of a surgery to correct her deformity give her a balanced gait, as well as boost her self esteem. It will also fulfill her wishes to go back to school if time and situation permits.

Kristine’s family was unable to have Kristine undergo surgery earlier because of lack of finances.

At their pre-operative interview with ICM, Kristine’s mother shared: “I really hope that my child can get treatment. We want to see her well and live normally, but we could not make it happen. She even stopped schooling to avoid bullies because we don’t want to see her have emotional pains. We are praying that there could be someone that could help her.”

25-year-old Kristine has a happy and outgoing personality. She lives in the Philippines with her mother, and she is loved by her family and ...

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Kristine's case was submitted by Krishiel Ferenal at International Care Ministries.

Kristine's Timeline

March 18, 2016
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Kristine was submitted by Krishiel Ferenal, National Health Officer at International Care Ministries.
March 22, 2016
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Kristine received treatment at Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao in Philippines. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
April 1, 2016
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Kristine's profile was published to start raising funds.
April 7, 2016
FULLY FUNDED
Kristine's treatment was fully funded.
May 7, 2016
TREATMENT UPDATE
Kristine's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Share Kristine's story

Funded by 49 donors

Funded by 49 donors

Treatment

Unilateral Club Foot Correction - Zone 2

Diagnosis
Procedure

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Clubfoot is a common congenital disorder of the lower limbs. It occurs when a foot and ankle are permanently twisted. The ligaments and tendons that hold the muscles to the bones are too tight, which causes the tissues around the ankle to hold the foot in an abnormal position. A clubfoot appears to be pointing downward and twisting inward. For an adult with an uncorrected clubfoot, only part of the foot touches the ground. Walking is difficult or impossible.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Neglected clubfoot has a long-term impact on a person's quality of life. Children from rural areas or low socioeconomic backgrounds lack access to adequate care or information. These children may face a life of disability due to untreated clubfoot.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

There is no historical, cultural, or regional significance to this condition or its treatment. Much of the abnormality can be corrected through manipulation and casting during the first three months of life. This treatment is not risky, but access to long-term orthopedic care is required to ensure that the correction is maintained. Exercises, corrective shoes, or nighttime splints may be needed until the child stops growing.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

The orthopedic surgeon will first try to correct the clubfoot using nonsurgical methods. The patient's foot is gently stretched and manipulated into the correct position and held in place with a long-leg cast that stretches from the toes to the thigh. Each week for six to eight weeks, this process of stretching, re-positioning, and casting is repeated. After the manipulation and casting period, an Achilles tenotomy is performed. This is a minor procedure to release tightness in the Achilles tendon. A new cast will be applied to the leg to protect the tendon as it heals. By the time the cast is removed, the Achilles tendon will have regrown to a proper, longer length, and the clubfoot will be fully corrected. Many cases of clubfoot are successfully corrected with nonsurgical methods. Sometimes, however, the abnormality cannot be fully corrected, or it returns. Surgery may be needed to adjust the tendons, ligaments, and joints in the foot and ankle.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Quality of life is improved. Most individuals are able to wear regular shoes and lead active lives.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Children who undergo clubfoot repair surgery can lead active lives with few risks. In some cases, the foot and calf may remain smaller throughout the patient's life. Potential risks associated with this surgery also include nerve damage in the foot, excessive foot swelling, interrupted blood flow to the foot, and the formation of an ulcer from a cast that is too tight.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

This treatment is available in most tertiary hospitals. It is performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons who are specialists in the field.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There is no alternative treatment for this condition.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

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65-year-old Mom is a rice farmer from Prey Veng province in Cambodia. She is married and has two sons, three daughters, and nine grandchildren. She and her husband- who is also a farmer- live with their second-oldest daughter, who is a garment factory worker. About one year ago, Mom developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her itchiness, tearing, and blurry vision. Her visual impairment and discomfort disrupt her ability to live comfortably and independently. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is here to help Mom secure the treatment she needs. On February 8th, doctors at Kien Khleang National Rehabilitation Centre will perform cataract surgery, and implant an intraocular lens in her right eye. After she has recovered, Mom will be able to see clearly again. She needs your help to fund this $253 procedure. Mom said: "After surgery, I hope I will be more independent and see better."

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Anthony, who is 14 years old, lives with his parents and seven siblings in Kenya. His parents make charcoal to earn a living for the family, but their situation has been made more difficult by the inter-communal war in their area, which has forced the family to move on several occasions in order to find safety. Anthony was diagnosed with anorectal malformations at birth. He had surgery to correct the blockage and did well for a few months, but the blockage recurred. He could not pass stool as he had done before, but his parents could not afford to take him back to the hospital. His stomach started to increase in size and has grown over the years. Over time he completely lost the ability to move his bowels and stopped going to school. Late last year the county government social worker heard of Anthony's situation and contacted the family. She was able to finance their transport to the hospital for Anthony to be examined. As a result of the examination, it was determined that Anthony required surgery urgently. Anthony is now scheduled for a colostomy on February 15th at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is seeking $1,152 to cover the costs of this life-saving procedure. Anthony’s Aunt said: “It pains us that Anthony has to go through this. We really hope that he will be treated and go back to school.”

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