Charles is a 6-year-old boy and the third-born child in a family of five. He has a twin sibling with whom he enjoys playing with and has an undeniable bond. The mother is a stay-at-home wife, while the father is a farmer who relies on agriculture for sustenance and income to cover their day-to-day expenses. However, due to the current climate changes, the returns from his farming activities have been quite minimal. Consequently, he has had to find another day job to earn some extra money.
Charles was recently diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. A condition where both of his legs are bowed outward. It began when he was 2 years old and has continued to worsen over the years. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, the bowing of his legs has made him walk with a side-to-side gait. Charles quickly becomes tired when engaging in activities that require mobility. Despite the parents’ efforts to seek treatment for his condition, living in a remote area has made it difficult for them to access the appropriate treatment. To address his condition, Charles requires corrective surgery, known as bilateral Sofield-Miller osteotomy to improve the alignment and functionality of his legs.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), has been able to diagnose Charles and create a treatment plan. The procedure is scheduled to take place on August 1st. Treatment will hopefully restore Charles’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is now requesting $880 to help fund the corrective surgery for Charles.
Charles says: “I wish to get better and for my legs to look normal. Hopefully, after this treatment, my legs will be fine.”