Read our powered by our community 🙌 Check out our 🙌
Meet another patient

Watsi logo blueWatsi

Goodluck from Tanzania raised $880 to fund a knee surgery so he can be active again.

Goodluck
100%
  • $880 raised, $0 to go
$880
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Goodluck's treatment was fully funded on March 15, 2022.
January 17, 2023

Goodluck has not yet undergone treatment.

Our medical partner shared an update on Goodluck that we want to share with you. He was scheduled for surgery and admitted to the hospital, but unfortunately his pre-operative tests came back that he was not healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery at the time. His family was given support and medication, but they haven’t yet returned to the hospital despite outreach efforts. Our medical partner has asked that we close his case and help another patient in need right now. If he returns for care, then we hope to support Goodluck’s treatment in the future.

Our medical partner shared an update on Goodluck that we want to share with you. He was scheduled for surgery and admitted to the hospital, ...

Read more
February 3, 2022

Goodluck is a three-year-old boy and is the youngest of two children in his family. Both of his parents work as small scale farmers. He loves playing with toy cars and having fun with his friends.

Goodluck was diagnosed with genu varus, a condition caused by an accumulation of fluoride in the bones. This condition is often comes from contaminated drinking water. He experiences pain and exhaustion after short distance walks.

Fortunately, has the opportunity to receive treatment through our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). After his procedure on February 4th, Goodluck will begin regaining his mobility and allow him to play and be active with his friends again. This treatment will also greatly reduce his risk of future complications. AMH is requesting $880 for Goodluck’s knee procedure.

Goodluck’s mother shared: “It was through one of your employees who saw how much my son was struggling to walk and advised me to try seeking treatment help here.”

Goodluck is a three-year-old boy and is the youngest of two children in his family. Both of his parents work as small scale farmers. He love...

Read more

Goodluck's Timeline

  • February 3, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • February 4, 2022
    TREATMENT SCHEDULED

    Goodluck was scheduled to receive 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.

  • February 7, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Goodluck's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • January 17, 2023
    FUNDING ENDED

    Goodluck is no longer raising funds.

  • January 17, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Goodluck's treatment did not happen. Read the update.

Funded by 24 donors

Funded by 24 donors

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