Balbina is a seven-year-old girl living with her parents and seven siblings in Tanzania. Balbina’s parents are seasonal farmers.
When Balbina was three years old, her mother noticed that she was having difficulty walking. At first, she thought it was due to fatigue from all of the walking that Balbina enjoyed doing. However, as the days went by, the problem persisted. Her mother took her to the nearest clinic, but they could not diagnose the issue.
Over time, Balbina’s condition worsened. Eventually, Balbina began walking with one of her legs bowed. The condition deteriorated rapidly, and within six months, her gait changed completely. This made it difficult for her to walk and perform other activities at home. Balbina was in pain and easily fatigued.
The family tried seeking treatment for Balbina, but were unsuccessful. They visited traditional healers hoping for a cure, but nothing worked. Balbina was referred by a hospital employee to our medical partner’s care center, Kafika House, where she was diagnosed with windswept deformity. This condition requires corrective surgery to treat her legs.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is seeking $891 to fund the procedure, scheduled for August 13th, that will enable Balbina to grow into a healthy young woman.
Balbina’s father said: “I wish for my daughter to be okay. We would love to see her dreams come true as she grows older.”

