We estimate that surgeries for this group will cost $110,000. We respectfully ask that you consider saving these patients' lives by making a contribution before the end of the year.
ALIYAH
Aliyah is a 13-year old Oromo speaking girl. She has underlying NF - neurofibromatosis, a genetic condition, which makes spine disease far more complex. Aliyah lives in a Silte Muslim village of 50 families with her mother who is illiterate and her father, who is a farmer growing banana, corn, and wheat.
HABTAMU
Habtamu, 21, had a terrible condition called congenital kyphosis which collapsed his spine and took over half of his lung capacity. He lives in Sendafa, 30 miles km north of Addis Ababa. He is an orphan who lives with his brother, a welder, in a mud house without electricity, water, or toilet. He stopped school in 9th grade due to his spine condition.
TIGIST
Tigist is a 21-year old from N. Shewa province, a 3 hour bus ride, followed by a 3 hour walk from our clinic. She grew up without electricity or toilet. After the death of her father, an aunt brought her to Addis Ababa to live with her in her mud house. The aunt recently retired as a janitor.
ASHENAFI
Ashenafi is a 15-year old who went to Ghana 3 years ago and had 4 rods and 8 screws put into his back for scoliosis. These are “growing rods,” which get adjusted periodically. He now needs rod maintenance and final fusion surgery.
MARIAMAWIT
Mariamawit is a 14-year old girl who came to us after hearing of our work on local media. She went to Ghana 3 years ago and had growing rods installed. Starting school late, she is still in elementary school but is doing well and a dedicated student. She lives with her grandmother in a mud home, and wants to be a doctor. She is going to Ghana for rod maintenance and final fusion.
BIZUAYEHU
Bizuayehu is a 25-year old computer graduate who had severe congenital kyphoscoliosis. She lives with her sister in Mojo, 80 km east of Addis Ababa, in a mud house. They have electricity, water, and an outside latrine. She wants to start her own IT computer consulting company.
FASIKA
Fasika is a high school graduate with an accounting diploma. She lives with her mom and siblings in Addis Ababa in a mud house with electricity, water, and an outdoor toilet. She is #7 of 10 kids, and supports her family selling cosmetics, sending her siblings to school.
TADIOS
Tadios is an 18-year old boy who lives with parents in a mud house. Their latrine is outside. His father is elderly and infirm, and his mother is a janitor in a government office. He is the oldest of 5 kids, an excellent student in Karalo School, in 8th grade.