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Success! Ally from Tanzania raised $880 to fund surgery to help increase his mobility.

Ally
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Ally's treatment was fully funded on September 18, 2022.

Photo of Ally post-operation

October 5, 2022

Ally underwent surgery to help increase his mobility.

Ally underwent successful surgery and is recovering well! Now, he is able to walk easily without any of the difficulty or pain he experienced before.

Ally’s mother says, “Thank you very much for making my son’s treatment possible through funding his treatment cost. This was would not have been possible if it was not for you.”

Ally underwent successful surgery and is recovering well! Now, he is able to walk easily without any of the difficulty or pain he experience...

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June 9, 2022

Ally is a sweet, outgoing 3-year-old and the youngest in his family of three children. Ally’s mom shared that she is raising the children on her own and recently moved home so that Ally’s grandparents could help her care for him and his siblings. Ally’s grandparents are small-scale farmers, and his grandmother sells vegetables at the market.

Ally was diagnosed with bilateral varus, a condition that causes the legs to turn inward. This condition is typically caused by an excessive accumulation of fluoride in the bones, which often stems from contaminated drinking water. As a result, Ally experiences pain when standing and after a long day of play.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH), is helping Ally receive treatment. On June 10th, he will undergo surgery to restore his mobility, allow him to participate in various activities, and significantly decrease his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 to fund this procedure.

Ally’s mother says, “With no job, there is no way I am going to get all the money needed. My parents are already doing so much to help and support my children and me.”

Ally is a sweet, outgoing 3-year-old and the youngest in his family of three children. Ally’s mom shared that she is raising the children on...

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Ally's Timeline

  • June 9, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • June 10, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Ally 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.

  • June 16, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Ally's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • September 18, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Ally's treatment was fully funded.

  • October 5, 2022
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Ally's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 18 donors

Funded by 18 donors

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