Baby Stephano was born with bilateral clubfoot in Tanzania. When Stephano’s father saw the condition of the child’s feet shortly after his wife’s delivery, he told his wife that there was no such condition in their family. He immediately abandoned them, leaving Stephano’s mother to fend for herself and find treatment for her son.

Fortunately, friends at church told Stephano’s grandmother that the condition was treatable and encouraged them to make the journey to Usa River. Stephano’s mother and grandmother made the four-hour journey from the family home to Usa River Clubfoot Clinic, At the age of two weeks, Stephano enrolled in treatment. A travel stipend helped the family pay for transport to clinic appointments so that Stephano could receive the best possible care.

Now nine months old, Stephano smiles ear to ear and will likely have little memory of his time in active treatment. His mother is so happy to see the difference in Stephano’s feet. She knows that the plaster casts and braces do more than simply straighten her son’s feet. They also give him a chance to attend school and receive an education. She hopes that by receiving an education, Stephano will one day find a good job and contribute to supporting his family.

Learn more about MiracleFeet’s partner in Tanzania, the Tanzania Clubfoot Care Organization (TCCO).