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Dennis is a 12 year old boy from Kenya who needs $1,286 to fund clubfoot repair surgery.

Dennis
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  • $594 raised, $692 to go
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January 14, 2023

Meet Dennis, a 12 year old boy living in Kenya with his parents and two younger siblings. When Dennis isn’t in school - where math is his favorite subject - he enjoys playing with friends and reading books. Dennis’ father works as a casual laborer, while his mother is a housewife.

Dennis was healthy at birth, but at the age of two, his left foot started to bend inwards. His parents brought him to numerous hospitals, but his condition remained unresolved. This is very frustrating for Dennis, who has to walk on tiptoes, and is in pain when he walks.

Doctors at our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, diagnosed Dennis with a clubfoot. Now he is scheduled to undergo clubfoot repair surgery at AIC Cure International Hospital on January 16th. This procedure which will allow Dennis to wear shoes and to walk with ease. African Mission Healthcare Foundation is requesting $1,286 to fund Dennis’ life changing procedure.

“Our joy will be to see Dennis walking and playing like other children,” Dennis’s mother told us.

Meet Dennis, a 12 year old boy living in Kenya with his parents and two younger siblings. When Dennis isn't in school - where math is his f...

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Dennis's Timeline

  • January 14, 2023
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Dennis was submitted by Beatrice Njoroge, Curative Medical Support Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • January 20, 2023
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Dennis's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 6, 2023
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Dennis was scheduled to receive treatment at AIC Cure International Hospital in Kenya. 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.

  • TODAY
    AWAITING FUNDING

    Dennis is currently raising funds for his treatment.

  • TBD
    AWAITING UPDATE

    Awaiting Dennis's treatment update from African Mission Healthcare.

Treatment
Club Foot Correction
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,286 for Dennis's treatment
Hospital Fees
$273
Medical Staff
$313
Medication
$179
Supplies
$396
Labs
$37
Radiology
$27
Other
$61
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The foot is turned inward, often severely, at the ankle, and the arch of the foot is very high. Patients experience discomfort, and the affected leg may be shorter and smaller than the other.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

These children have a difficult time walking and running. Years of trying to walk on a clubfoot will cause wounds and other skeletal problems, such as arthritis. Patients will have difficulty fitting in shoes and participating in normal play, school, and daily activities. Many Africans make their livings through manual labor, which can be difficult with an untreated clubfoot.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Incidence is 1/1,000 live births in Kenya. This is roughly similar to rates in Western countries, though many cases may be missed. There is no known reason for its occurrence in this region.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

Patients will undergo a series of small operations, casting, and manipulations during their course of treatment.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

The bones and joint will become aligned, and long-term disability will be prevented.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

Clubfoot is very treatable. The surgery is minor and not risky.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

Care is not easily accessible. AIC Cure International Hospital is one of the few pediatric orthopedic hospitals devoted to serving the physically disabled children of Kenya. Most parents bring their children from remote areas to seek treatment.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. If not treated, the condition will persist and will result in disability.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.