Patience in Malawi
Patience was just a few hours old when his family noticed his feet were not straight. They brought him home, and by morning the worry had set in. His family rushed him to the hospital.
The answers did not come quickly. They went through several hospitals, including mission hospitals, before finally being referred to the Hope Walks partner clinic with Malawi Against Physical Disability.
Getting there was its own challenge. A round trip to the clinic cost about $15, but even that was enough to potentially keep the family from getting treatment for their son.
Then came a turning point. At the clinic, the family learned that transportation assistance is available to vulnerable families. The clinic gave them money to travel home to their village.
Now Patience, 6 months old, is receiving treatment, and his family can already see the change. “I see his feet are getting corrected, and I believe he will eventually have straight feet,” his family said.
Donor support through Hope Walks provides free casting supplies and braces, making this care possible. His family hopes his story will reach far beyond their home.
“May God bless every hand supporting children with clubfoot, and may this support continue,” the family said.
A Hope Walks parent advisor makes a home visit with the family.
Mom Pemphero holds Patience who is still wearing casts.
Masamba, a community leader, visits with the family to throw his full support behind finding treatment for Patience.
A fun moment for Pemphero and Patience