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Success! Baby Of Debrah from Tanzania raised $935 to fund corrective surgery for his clubfoot.

Baby Of Debrah
100%
  • $935 raised, $0 to go
$935
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Baby Of Debrah's treatment was fully funded on February 4, 2023.

Photo of Baby Of Debrah post-operation

February 13, 2023

Baby Of Debrah underwent treatment for his clubfoot so he can grow up active and healthy.

Debrah’s baby has started manipulation and casting treatment to help correct his right foot. He is currently on his second cast and scheduled to have his third cast change soon. He will continue with casting and finally have a surgery to complete his treatment. Through this care, he will have a straight foot and be able to grow up to live a full life ahead.

Debrah’s husband and the newborn’s father expressed his gratitude, “It has been so hard living in doubt. I’m grateful my baby has help. Thank you.”

Debrah's baby has started manipulation and casting treatment to help correct his right foot. He is currently on his second cast and schedule...

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September 5, 2022

Deborah’s baby is a newborn - only a few days old. Deborah and her husband have two more children. Deoborah’s husband is the breadwinner of the family, working as a small business operator while Deborah is a stay-at-home parent for their family. Her husband’s income provides for their basic needs and school fees.

Deborah’s baby was born with clubfoot of his right leg. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. His parents are greatly concerned about their baby’s condition. They are worried, but also holding hope that their newborn baby will be ok.

Fortunately, the parents brought their newborn to our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on September 6th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is raising $935 to fund the baby’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, his leg will be aligned correctly and he will be able to walk easily as he grows.

His father shared, “It has been so hard living in doubt for the past three days. I’m grateful my baby will now get help.”

Deborah's baby is a newborn - only a few days old. Deborah and her husband have two more children. Deoborah's husband is the breadwinner of ...

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Baby Of Debrah's Timeline

  • September 5, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Baby Of Debrah was submitted by Edward Mugane, Impact Assessment Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • September 6, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Baby Of Debrah 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.

  • September 7, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Baby Of Debrah's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • February 4, 2023
    FULLY FUNDED

    Baby Of Debrah's treatment was fully funded.

  • February 13, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Baby Of Debrah's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 21 donors

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment
Clubfoot
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $935 for Baby Of Debrah'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.