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Success! Jackson from Tanzania raised $880 to fund mobility-restoring surgery helping him to walk easily.

Jackson
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Jackson's treatment was fully funded on April 8, 2022.

Photo of Jackson post-operation

April 19, 2022

Jackson underwent mobility-restoring surgery helping him to walk easily.

Jackson’s surgery went well and he had both of his legs successfully corrected. He has a full cast of both legs and is on bed rest while he heals from treatment. Through this surgery, Jackson will finally be able to walk with ease and resume his studies. He’s excited to enjoy playing sports without any challenges due to disability.

Jackson told us, “I thank God my surgery went well, and I am doing fine. I would also like to thank you for helping treat me.”

Jackson’s surgery went well and he had both of his legs successfully corrected. He has a full cast of both legs and is on bed rest while he ...

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March 22, 2022

Jackson is a fifteen-year-old student and the last-born child to his mother. He has a large family, as is common in the Maasai community where he lives. Jackson is a very hard-working boy both at home and at school. He is social and self-driven. He shared that most boys his age don’t like school or don’t get the chance to attend school, but not Jackson! His favorite subjects are Physics, Swahili, and History. He wishes to be a teacher in the future to help educate his community. Jackson is a big football fan, but he had to stop playing because his legs started hurting and it has gotten difficult for him to walk.

Jackson was diagnosed with Bilateral Genu Varus, where both of his legs are curving outwards. 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 experiences pain and difficulty walking.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $880 to fund corrective surgery for Jackson. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 22nd. Treatment will hopefully restore Jackson’s mobility, allow him to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease his risk of future complications.

Jackson says, “My legs have made walking very difficult due to the pain. I would like to walk to school without difficulty and enjoy playing sports and helping my parents.”

Jackson is a fifteen-year-old student and the last-born child to his mother. He has a large family, as is common in the Maasai community whe...

Read more

Jackson's Timeline

  • March 22, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • March 22, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Jackson 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.

  • March 28, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Jackson's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • April 8, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Jackson's treatment was fully funded.

  • April 19, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Jackson's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 14 donors

Funded by 14 donors

Treatment
Fluorosis - Genu Valgus / Varus
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $880 for Jackson'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.

Victoria

Victoria is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. Victoria is a cheerful, playful girl, who has been raised by her aunties. When she reached walking age, she could not walk. This prompted her family to seek medical attention at a public hospital near their hometown. They were referred to the Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru County, Kenya. Several tests were done, but financial constraints prevented them from returning for the test results. Victoria's medical treatment was further delayed when a relative who was actively supporting and raising her became ill, and all available finances were directed toward their treatment. Recently, Victoria's guardian, who was visiting her grandmother, was advised to seek medical care at BethanyKids. Victoria has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Victoria has been experiencing a visibly enlarged head size. Without treatment, Victoria will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $720 to cover the cost of surgery for Victoria that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on March 8th and will drain the excess fluid from Victoria's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Victoria will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Victoria’s aunty says, “This kid is active but unable to support herself because of the condition. She needs this treatment to be able to lead a normal life.”

0% funded

0%funded
$0raised
$720to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.