Donald’s Story
I went to Kenya in February 2025 to nurse in a remote clinic in West Pokot on the Kenyan Ugandan border. The clinic had no electricity and no water, but they were able to provide incredible healthcare. The people were poor, but dignified and the nursing staff were outstanding.
On my return through the capital, Nairobi, I wanted to visit the Kibera slum. I was unbelievably shocked at what I saw and the squallor that over 2 million people are existing in. I had never seen anything like it!
Whilst in Kibera, I visited one of the 3 free schools for the huge population and met Donald and his amazing teacher, Mercy! Donald is five years old and lives in the midst of the Nairobi Kibera slum – the largest in Africa . He was a breech birth and his poor Mum was transferred in labour, from the Kibera hospital to an emergency unit. Donald was born with a club foot and serious contractures of his legs and has never been able to walk. He currently scoots around on the little red chair you can see in the picture, or is carried. As he grows older, this will become even harder and it is almost impossible to cope in a wheelchair living in the slum with its open sewers.
Who is Donald and why does he need help?
Donald has a loving mother and father and two older brothers. His parents both do their best to support them, but they struggle on a day to day basis. Not long after Donald was born, he had an operation to correct his club foot. He was about to undergo surgery and be fitted with calipers to correct his contractures, but the government changed and this was no longer offered for free and so was not an option for him.
Donald is carried with his legs tucked into his trousers. His contractures are painful and need to be sorted urgently before his next growth spurt. He is a lovely bright boy, with a great sense of humour and unbelievable resilience, who is popular with his class mates.
Since meeting Donald, I have been determined to find someone who can help him to walk. After a huge amount of research and various hospital and clinic visits, we have found the Cure Hospital in Nairobi and Dr Thomas, who has a clear plan to enable him to walk again.
The hospital and his doctors have been incredibly helpful laising and explaining the different steps involved in his treatment and the various costs involved.
Here is the link to our Just Giving Page to raise funds to help Donald https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpfordonald?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
On the 4th September he started the first stage. He now has both his legs in plaster to try and ease out his contractures. This will be removed on the 14th September, he will be re-Xrayed and then they will move forward with surgery.
The most expensive element is the external fixators, a form of caliper, that will be specifically made for him and imported from China.
COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLAN AT CURE HOSPITAL in NAIROBI
1. Orthopedic Management
Immediate Interventions:
• Serial casting for gradual contracture improvement in knees and ankles – Started 4th September 2025
• Custom orthotic devices (AFOs) to maintain foot positioning after casting
• Regular monitoring of the spine for scoliosis
Surgical Planning:
• Year 3-5: Potential osteotomies if conservative management insufficient
• Ongoing: Foot reconstruction surgeries as needed for weight-bearing and joints
contracture releases with circular ring fixators
2. Physical Therapy Program
Daily Therapy Goals:
• Range of motion exercises to prevent further contracture progression
• Strengthening exercises for functional muscle groups
• Gait training with assistive devices
• Transfer training for independence
Equipment Recommendations:
• Standing frame for weight-bearing activities (2-3 hours daily)
• Adaptive tricycle for recreational mobility
• Parallel bars for supported walking practice
3. Occupational Therapy
Fine Motor Development:
• Adaptive grip strengthening exercises
• Custom splinting for hand positioning
• Activities of daily living training with adaptive equipment
4. Multidisciplinary Support
Team Members:
• Pediatric orthopedic surgeon
• Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist
• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Social worker for family support
• Special education coordinator
LONG-TERM GOALS AND PROGNOSIS
6-Month Goals
• Improve knee flexion by 15-20 degrees through serial casting
• Achieve independent transfers from wheelchair
• Establish consistent home therapy routine
• Complete adaptive equipment assessment
1-Year Goals
• Initiate supported ambulation with walker for short distances
• Independent feeding with adaptive utensils
• Full integration into mainstream classroom with accommodations
• Family training completion for home care management
5-Year Vision
• Community ambulation with assistive devices for functional distances
• Independence in age-appropriate self-care activities
• Participation in adaptive sports and recreational activitie
How Can You Help?
Donald’s care package has been costed at £11,500 and the difference to his life chances is likely to be immeasurable!
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpfordonald?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
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