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Success! Erick from Tanzania raised $935 to fund clubfoot repair surgery so he can walk without difficulty.

Erick
100%
  • $935 raised, $0 to go
$935
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Erick's treatment was fully funded on January 16, 2023.

Photo of Erick post-operation

February 7, 2023

Erick underwent clubfoot repair treatment so he can walk without difficulty.

Erick’s has started treatment to help correct his feet. He is currently on his casting phase which will continue until he is ready for a final surgery to complete his treatment. After recovery, he will be able to wear shoes and move comfortably, play soccer with his friends, and help his mom around the house.

Erick’s mother says, “Nashukuru sana kwa msaada wenu.” (Thank you very much for your support)

Erick's has started treatment to help correct his feet. He is currently on his casting phase which will continue until he is ready for a fin...

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August 11, 2022

Erick is a first grade student from Tanzania who dreams of becoming a truck driver like his father. He lives with his mother, who works in a coal mine, and his siblings. His father works in a different city, but he still helps support their family. Erick enjoys playing soccer with his friends at school and helping with house chores once he is home.

Erick has clubfoot of his left foot, a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. In Erick’s case, his left foot is twisted both downwards and inwards. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. His parents share that they are determined to see their child receive his needed treatment and get better.

Fortunately, Erick and his family traveled to visit our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on August 12th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Erick’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to run, walk for long distances, and carry things with ease. He will also be able to play soccer and help with house chores without difficulty.

Erick’s mother says, “My son has been through a lot. We are happy that he is going to get better after the surgery.”

Erick is a first grade student from Tanzania who dreams of becoming a truck driver like his father. He lives with his mother, who works in a...

Read more

Erick's Timeline

  • August 11, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Erick was submitted by Edward Mugane, Impact Assessment Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • August 12, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Erick 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.

  • August 12, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Erick's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 16, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Erick's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 7, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Erick's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 26 donors

Funded by 26 donors

Treatment
Clubfoot
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $935 for Erick's treatment
Hospital Fees
$693
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$8
Supplies
$175
Labs
$14
Other
$45
  • 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, or about 1,600 cases in Tanzania annually. 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. Patients will stay in the Plaster House, a rehabilitation center for children in Tanzania, for as long as their recovery takes.

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. 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. 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.