Lemurwa is a 15 year old student living in Kiserian, Arusha in Tanzania, with his parents and three siblings. His father works as a farmer and cattle breeder, and his mother is a dedicated homemaker, responsible for caring for the children and assisting with the milking of the cows. Lemurwa was diagnosed with acquired right genu valgus, a condition caused by the accumulation of excess fluoride in the bones, which results from drinking contaminated water. His right leg exhibits a more severe deformity compared to his left leg, leading to persistent swelling whenever he walks. Lemurwa has been suffering from this progressive knee deformity since the age of three, and things have only worsened over time. His condition limits his mobility and causes significant pain, making it challenging for him to walk long distances and to perform essential tasks, such as helping his family in herding cattle. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Lemurwa. The procedure is scheduled to take place on May 26th at Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. Treatment should restore Lemurwa's mobility, allowing him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decreasing his risk of future complications. Lemurwa says: "I hope that after this treatment I will be able to help out at home and that my leg will not be a barrier to my day-to-day life."

Salato is a 5-year-old boy from Tanzania. He is a part of the Maasai tribe and comes from a large Maasai family with seven children. His father is a livestock keeper. Due to their remote location, the family relies on livestock and selling cattle as their main source of income to cover their expenses. Salato was diagnosed with genu valgus. His legs bow inward so that his knees knock. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Salato faces difficulty walking long distances and experiences considerable discomfort due to the abnormal gait he has developed. This condition has also limited his ability to help his father with the livestock and hampers his ability to socialize with others. During an outreach visit from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), Salato and his parents had the opportunity to attend a clinic where he received education about his condition. The church kindly assisted in facilitating his transportation to the hospital. Upon arrival, the team warmly welcomed him and conducted a thorough assessment. As a result, a plan was formulated to correct the abnormality in his right leg surgically. However, Salato and his parents are unable to afford the costs associated with his treatment. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), can help. Salato will undergo a corrective procedure on August 2nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Salato's mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to cover the cost of Salato's treatment. Salato’s guardian says, “He often feels left out when he can’t socialize with his peers. We hope the treatment will help him fit in his society.”

James is a 39-year-old father of two young children. His wife stays at home with the children, while James works whenever he can get jobs on construction sites - work that is both inconsistent and poorly paid. On the 10th of August, James was hit by a speeding vehicle when he was on his way to work. He was left seriously injured, and his colleagues rushed him to the hospital, for emergency care. He has been in the hospital for four days, awaiting surgery to repair a fractured tibia. Fortunately, surgeons at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On August 16th, James will undergo a fracture repair procedure, called an open reduction and internal fixation, at AIC Kijabe Hospital. The procedure will enable him to walk easily again, and to resume working, so that he can continue to support his family. African Mission Healthcare is requesting $979 to fund this procedure and care. James says: “I feel stranded and worried. The accident left me immobile and unable to work. My family entirely depends on me, and I cannot work in this condition. I need surgery to walk and work.”