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Success! Joffrey from Tanzania raised $880 to fund mobilty-restoring knee surgery.

Joffrey
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Joffrey's treatment was fully funded on November 7, 2021.

Photo of Joffrey post-operation

November 11, 2021

Joffrey underwent mobilty-restoring knee surgery.

Joffrey has had a successful surgery that helped correct both of his legs that had bowed outwards making walking difficult for him. Through this surgery, Joffrey will no longer walk with challenges and he will be able to play like other children and enjoy his sports, especially football.

Joffrey’s mother says, “I am now at peace seeing my son’s leg corrected. He is doing fine and we are grateful for all the help and support.”

Joffrey has had a successful surgery that helped correct both of his legs that had bowed outwards making walking difficult for him. Through ...

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October 6, 2021

Joffrey is three years old and the only child of his young parents. He’s a playful and curious boy who wants to know and understand everything around him. He is a big lover of football just like his father despite his legs being curved. His mother said she thinks he’s too cheeky for his age. Joffrey has not started school yet but he keeps asking his mother to take him to school. Both Joffrey’s parents are small-scale farmers who grow maize, groundnuts, rice, and vegetables. They get most of their food from what they grow on their farm.

Joffrey was recently diagnosed with bilateral genu varus. His legs bow outward so that his knees do not touch. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, he feels pain even after a short walk.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Joffrey. The procedure is scheduled to take place on October 7th. Treatment will hopefully restore Joffrey’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Joffrey’s father says: “My son’s legs are worsening as days go by and from how I see it he might not be able to walk or enjoy his play, especially football, if he does not have this needed surgery.”

Joffrey is three years old and the only child of his young parents. He's a playful and curious boy who wants to know and understand everythi...

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Joffrey's Timeline

  • October 6, 2021
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Joffrey was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare.

  • October 7, 2021
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Joffrey received treatment at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC) in Tanzania. 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.

  • October 7, 2021
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Joffrey's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • November 7, 2021
    FULLY FUNDED

    Joffrey's treatment was fully funded.

  • November 11, 2021
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Joffrey's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 25 donors

Funded by 25 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Joffrey's treatment
Hospital Fees
$831
Medical Staff
$15
Medication
$11
Supplies
$0
Labs
$23
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

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

Patients with genu valgum (or "knock-knees") have knees that bend inward and cause an abnormal walking gait. Patients with genu varum (or bowleggedness) have knees that bend outward and cause knee or hip pain and reduced range of motion in the hips.

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

The patient's mobility is hindered, which can prevent the patient from making a living through physical labor. The patient may also develop arthritis later in life.

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

In the United States, supplemental fluoride is added to the water to improve dental health. However, in areas of northern Tanzania, there is too much naturally-occurring fluoride in the water, which causes bone curvature.

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

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for 4-5 days. During this time, the surgical wound will be monitored for swelling and infection. The patient will complete physiotherapy to help him or her walk or move the limbs. A series of X-rays will be performed over several months to monitor the healing process.

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

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

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This procedure is not risky, but it is time-consuming. The rehabilitation process can take several months.

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

Care is not easily accessible. Most patients live in remote, rural areas and are identified through mobile outreach. The pediatric surgical program at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre was started to meet the large burden of pediatric disability in the region.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

There are no alternatives. Although some cases can heal on their own, the patients submitted to Watsi require dedicated treatment.

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.