Happyness is a student from Tanzania. She is the fourth child in a family of six. She is a bright young girl who loves to study and wants to become a teacher when she grows up. Happyness’s parents are subsistence farmers.
Happyness was diagnosed with genu valgus. Her legs bow inward so that her knees touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, she experiences pain and discomfort while walking to and from school.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Happyness. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 22. Treatment will hopefully restore Happyness’s mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications.
Happyness says, “I will be very happy when I am be able to walk without pain or discomfort, to go to school, run and play with my friends. I don’t want to miss any day of school but some days I am in so much pain I cannot walk. Please help me get treatment.”