Surgery for 11-year-old abuse survivor

Musa is an 11-year-boy who was orphaned in a road accident at the age of 4. Taken in by family in the Kibera slum, he was then subjected to horrific physical and psychological abuse including having his arm broken and receiving no medical care.

Musa eventually found sanctuary at the Future Stars Development and Rescue Centre, Kibera, supported by Chaffinch  (day of arrival shown in the main photo). Here, he could begin to recover and rebuild a shattered childhood. He has enjoyed learning to play with other children, going to school, and getting a balanced and sufficient diet. With support from a counsellor an social worker, the future looked bright.

However, Musa's right arm bears a reminder of his past. Due to the lack of medical care following the intentional break, he has developed a deformity where the bones have healed out of alignment: a "gunstock deformity" or cubitus varus.

The deformity is causing pain and functional problems as well as being a visual difference that is difficult for a young boy to accept.

Chaffinch was able to fund an assessment at St Mary's Mission Hospital , where a treatment plan was made. However, as a very small charity we simply don't have the funds for the surgery he needs and we desperately need your help.

The cost of the surgery (a supracondylar osteotomy to correct cubitus varus using Kirschner wires) plus the general hospital costs for his stay are quoted at 150,000-200,000 Kenyan shillings. The range in the estimate is due to the uncertainty regarding how long he will need to stay in hospital after the surgery, how much pain medication he will need, whether antibiotics will be necessary etc.

In simple terms: Musa's arm needs to be re-broken and then pinned into the correct position so it can heal in proper alignment. Once the bones have knitted together, the pins will be removed in a quick 5-minute procedure.

We would like to raise 200,000 Kenyan shillings to ensure we can cover the costs without compromising his care. Any excess raised will be used to further Chaffinch's work in other areas. This could include buying schoolbooks, providing plates of food for children who would otherwise go hungry, or purchasing medication to treat malaria.

At the exchange rate today (August 27th) we need to raise £1341 plus the payment/donation processing fees. Obviously the exchange rate fluctuates.

We need to help this young boy. His life has already provided him with more challenges than anyone should face in a lifetime. Surely we should do what we can to ease any further suffering?

My name is Sarah and, as the founder of Chaffinch, I care about Musa like he's my own son. I would love to be able to fund this treatment like any mother wants to relieve her child's pain, but I simply don't have the means to do so. It makes me so sad, and angry, that a young boy is suffering because an adult hurt him. What world is this if we stand by?

Every single donation received will be treasured. The love and care that goes with those donations will matter just as much as the money and we will pass on every message of support. We will keep you updated with Musa's progress if we are able to fund this surgery and I'm sure Musa will have something to say himself if the world really can come together to care about a boy from the slum.