Hellen is a nine-year-old girl who is approaching grade one. She is one of nine siblings, three of whom share the same congenital condition of clubfoot. Both of her parents are farmers. They cultivate maize and millet for food and sell the surplus to earn money for other expenses. Unfortunately, Hellen’s father, who is advancing in age and has clubfoot, cannot work extended hours. Therefore, his mother toils diligently on the farm to ensure they yield sufficient harvests.
Hellen has clubfoot on her left foot and, fortunately, Hellen’s family visited our medical partner’s care center, the Plaster House NGO. There, the team began clubfoot treatment on October 6th.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $935 to fund Hellen’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, she will use night casts to aid in her full recovery and later be able to walk comfortably. She did not receive treatment as a baby because of her parents’ lack of knowledge about the condition and financial barriers. However, one day, a glimmer of hope emerged when Hellen’s father crossed paths with a young boy who had once faced a similar challenge but had now fully recovered. Filled with renewed hope, he inquired about how this transformation had occurred.
The boy’s story revealed the existence of our medical partner’s care center to Hellen’s father. Filled with optimism, he hurried home and shared this life-altering discovery with his wife. Together, they decided to bring their precious daughter and three of her siblings to The Plaster House.
Hellen’s mother says: “I am glad there is a chance for my daughter to get treatment, I hope she doesn’t have to live with this disability for the rest of her life.”