Michael is a 17-year-old herder from Tanzania. He is the youngest of seven children. He lives with his father and his mother, who sells onions in the market. Michael spends most of his time herding his father’s cattle, and he owns one cow of his own. He is excited to increase the number of cows he owns, so that he may start his own family someday.
Early last year, Michael started noticing his leg bending inward. One day, while playing football with his friends, he felt extreme pain and was taken to a nearby health clinic. He was given painkillers, which he has been using to date. A former teacher learned of his condition and brought him to another facility for help.
Michael has been diagnosed with genu valgus, commonly called knock knees. This is a condition in which the knees angle inward. If not treated, Michael will have difficulty walking, which will limit him from doing his day-to-day pastoral activities.
Fortunately, he will undergo corrective orthopedic surgery on April 11. He needs help to fund this $838 procedure.
Michael says, “I will be happy to get better so that I may continue playing football and participate in my family’s pastoral activities.”
