Watsi

Success! Sabrina from Tanzania raised $838 to fund orthopedic surgery.

100%

$838 raised, $0 to go

$838

raised

to go

Fully funded

Sabrina's treatment was fully funded on August 30, 2019.

Sabrina's story
Sabrina's update

Photo of Sabrina post-operation

September 16, 2019

Sabrina underwent orthopedic surgery.

Sabrina had a successful surgery which has helped straighten her legs that were bowed making walking and playing difficult and painful. Through this surgery, Sabrina will be able to walk normally again and no longer walk with a gait or go through pain.

Sabrina’s mother says, “Thank you very much for helping correct my daughter’s legs that were deformed making walking painful and difficult for her. Without your help, I would have been able to afford her treatment. Thank you very much.”

Sabrina had a successful surgery which has helped straighten her legs that were bowed making walking and playing difficult and painful. Thro...

August 8, 2019

Sabrina is a toddler from Tanzania. Sabrina was diagnosed with acquired bilateral genu varus. Her legs are bowed out. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $940 to fund corrective surgery for Sabrina. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 9. Treatment will hopefully restore Sabrina’s mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications.

Sabrina’s mother says, “Being a single mother with no job it’s not been possible to treat my daughter’s leg problem please help.”

Sabrina is a toddler from Tanzania. Sabrina was diagnosed with acquired bilateral genu varus. Her legs are bowed out. This condition is typi...

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Sabrina's case was submitted by Robert Kariuki at African Mission Healthcare in Tanzania.

Sabrina's Timeline

August 8, 2019
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Sabrina was submitted by Robert Kariuki, Process Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare, our medical partner in Tanzania.
August 09, 2019
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Sabrina received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC). 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.
August 10, 2019
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Sabrina's profile was published to start raising funds.
August 30, 2019
FULLY FUNDED
Sabrina's treatment was fully funded.
September 16, 2019
TREATMENT UPDATE
Sabrina's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Share Sabrina's story

Funded by 13 donors

Treatment

Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $838 for Sabrina's treatment

Hospital Fees

$789

Medical Staff

$15

Medication

$11

Supplies

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.

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