“I wish to become a teacher when I grow up,” says Yohana. Meet Yohana, a shy and soft-spoken 12-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is the fourth born in a family of seven children and lives with his siblings and parents. Yohana is in primary school and enjoys studying Swahili and mathematics. He also likes to play soccer, but lately it has become more difficult for him to run due to the condition of his legs.
Yohana was born without any physical deformities but that changed a little over a year ago when his left leg began to bend inwards, causing his knees to knock. This condition has completely changed Yohana’s gait. If not treated, he will be at high risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knees at an early age.
Yohana’s parents are small-scale farmers and cattle owners. When they are not farming, Yohana’s mother sells maize at an open market in their village and his father uses his motorcycle to transport people from one point to another, making extra money. Yohana’s parents work very hard to take care of their big family but coming up with enough money to pay for the needed surgery has been difficult.
We can fund a treatment for $940. “Yohana’s gait will improve, he will be able to walk without knocking his knees and the risk of developing osteoarthritis at an early age will decrease,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Let’s join together and help Yohana get back to playing soccer!