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Success! Shedrack from Tanzania raised $880 to fund corrective surgery on his legs.

Shedrack
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Shedrack's treatment was fully funded on October 12, 2022.

Photo of Shedrack post-operation

October 18, 2022

Shedrack underwent corrective surgery on his legs.

Shedrack underwent successful surgery! His casts have been removed, and he is already walking well. During his follow-up, Shedrack reported an opening at the surgical site, so he is undergoing a procedure to remove the bone chip and close the site so it can fully heal.

Smiling, Shedrack said, “My legs are now straight, thank you very much.”

Shedrack underwent successful surgery! His casts have been removed, and he is already walking well. During his follow-up, Shedrack reported ...

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May 5, 2022

Shedrack is a 17-year-old teenager and the fourth born child in a family of seven. He had to drop out of school last year, but hopes to learn masonry at a local technical school so that he can work and make a living for himself. He is currently helping in looking after his family’s cattle. His parents are small scale farmers, and his father also works as a night guard. His father shared that he can’t yet afford to send Shedrack to the technical school.

Shedrack was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. His legs bow inward at the knees. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he has had difficulty walking for four years now. His father says the problem started with a slight curve but over the years the curve has increased in size. Shedrack’s aunt learned about Plaster House - a special site that provides a home to patients undergoing treatment at our medical partner’s care center in Arusha, Tanzania. She informed Shedrack’s father who brought him there seeking treatment. Unable to raise the funds needed for surgery, their family is asking for support.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Shedrack. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 6th. Treatment will hopefully restore Shedrack’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Shedrack says, “My legs hurt at the knees and carrying out daily life activities is now a big challenge.”

Shedrack is a 17-year-old teenager and the fourth born child in a family of seven. He had to drop out of school last year, but hopes to lear...

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Shedrack's Timeline

  • May 5, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Shedrack was submitted by Edward Mugane, Impact Assessment Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • May 5, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Shedrack's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • May 6, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Shedrack received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. 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.

  • October 12, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Shedrack's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 18, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Shedrack's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 21 donors

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Shedrack's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$0
Labs
$23
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

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

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

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

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

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

The bones and joints will be aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

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

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.