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Success! Ibra from Tanzania raised $935 to fund clubfoot repair surgery so he can walk well as he grows up.

Ibra
100%
  • $935 raised, $0 to go
$935
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Ibra's treatment was fully funded on December 28, 2022.

Photo of Ibra post-operation

January 15, 2023

Ibra underwent clubfoot repair surgery so he can walk well as he grows up.

Ibra has started manipulation and casting to heal his clubfoot condition. He will have a series of casting to correct his foot’s position. After the progress assessment of his casting procedure, Ibra will be having a final surgery. This treatment will make it possible for Ibra to go easily through his growth process and be active throughout his life.

Ibra’s mother says, “Thank you for making the start of my motherhood easier. Thank you for the help you have offered to my son.”

Ibra has started manipulation and casting to heal his clubfoot condition. He will have a series of casting to correct his foot's position. A...

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December 12, 2022

Ibra is the first-born baby to her young Tanzanian parents. Because of the pregnancy, his mom has had to postpone taking classes and final exams, but she hopes to get back soon. Ibra and his parents depend on Ibra’s grandparents for his basic needs. The grandparents are trying their best to support them, but they cannot afford to pay for the medical treatment that he needs.

Ibra has clubfoot of both feet. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes.

Fortunately, Ibra was brought to our medical partner’s care center, Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on December 13th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $935 to fund Ibra’s clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and wear shoes when he grows up.

Ibra’s mother says, “I am young, and I was not ready for motherhood, but I wish a good future for my son.”

Ibra is the first-born baby to her young Tanzanian parents. Because of the pregnancy, his mom has had to postpone taking classes and final e...

Read more

Ibra's Timeline

  • December 12, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

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

  • December 13, 2022
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Ibra 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.

  • December 15, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Ibra's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • December 28, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Ibra's treatment was fully funded.

  • January 15, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Ibra's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 5 donors

Funded by 5 donors

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

Michelle

Michelle is a young child with a sweet smile. She is the firstborn of a two-child family. Her parents are modest farmers who grow potatoes and vegetables primarily for their own family's consumption. Additionally, they run a small kiosk out of their home, but its limited earnings are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Michelle is presently enrolled in nursery school at a nearby public school. Michelle had a normal cold when she visited our medical facility. She was gasping loudly while inhaling and coughing frequently. Since last year, Michelle has been ill. Her mother noticed that whenever she had a cold, she would frequently complain of a sore throat and cough a lot. She also have a hard time sleeping, has trouble breathing, and has difficulty feeding because she always breathes through her mouth. Michelle has to wear extra warm clothing to stay warm during the colder months because her nose always gets congested, which is hard for her. She has been an inactive child as she is always tired. Her sleep patterns are constantly off, and she easily nods asleep during the school day, which has a negative impact on how well she does academically. Due to recurring tonsil infections that are resistant to therapy, Michelle has been in and out of the hospital several times. During her last visit, the doctor examined her and realized that her tonsils and adenoids had hypertrophied. She has been diagnosed with grade three tonsils, and since she was not responding to any medication, the doctor advised them to have surgery, which would provide a lasting, long-term solution to her problem. Michelle's parents have medical insurance, but in the last three months, they did not manage to pay their monthly subscriptions as they were low on income. Their coverage is in arrears, and unfortunately, it will not cover her procedure. She requires $714 for her surgery to be done, and her parents are appealing to all well-wishers reading her story to assist her in getting her surgery. Michelle's mother says, “My daughter has really suffered over a long period of time. She has taken numerous drugs without any noticeable change in her, and this has me very concerned. I want her to be able to have a regular life and do well in school. Please assist her so that she can eventually realize her goals."

45% funded

45%funded
$328raised
$386to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.