Author: Edward Oduor, CBR worker Matibabu Foundation
In a small town of Simenya, Ugunja subcounty in Siaya county, there lived a precious little girl named Eunice. Born with bilateral clubfoot, her parents faced an unexpected challenge from the moment she came into the world. However, what followed was a heartwarming journey of determination, resilience, and unbreakable family bonds that would inspire everyone who crossed their path.
Eunice’s parents, Catherine and Michael, were overwhelmed with joy when their baby girl arrived. Still, the happiness was soon accompanied by a daunting realization. Their sweet Eunice had been born with clubfoot—a congenital condition where the foot turns inward and downward. In their case it was bilateral, meaning both feet were deformed.
The family consulted with a team of specialists who assured them that Eunice condition could be corrected using the Ponsetti management with a series of casting and manipulation. The path ahead was filled with uncertainties, but Catherine and Michael knew that they had to do everything in their power to help their daughter.
At just 1 month old, Eunice started her club foot clinic at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu County. They attended the clinic diligently for a period of 6 months until Eunice was given foot abduction braces to maintain her fully corrected feet in the aligned position, but it was only the first step in a long journey. After being weaned off the Foot Abduction Braces, soon the right foot started bending again. It was a case of recurrent club foot- a type of the condition.
The road was challenging for Eunice and her family. There were tears, sleepless nights, and moments of doubt. But what set them apart was their unwavering determination.
During a registration exercise at Sigomere small home, the Matibabu CBR team, with the support from CBR Team International, met the young girl who had come for registration as a person with disability with National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). After an assessment, we enrolled her into our program and new so well that she could benefit from surgery. Eunice’s parents were thrilled with this news and as it is always said; the rest is history.
Eunice underwent a postero-medial release surgery on the right foot and now it is well aligned.
At the age of five, Eunice had undergone multiple procedures of casting, manipulation, surgery and countless hours of therapy. Her clubfeet are a distant memory as she proudly walks, runs and plays like any other child. Her parents watch with tears of joy as their daughter participates in school activities, danced to her favorite songs, and performs her activities of daily living independently.
‘’ I thank Matibabu Foundation through the CBR program for their support in transforming my child’s life, may they endeavor to help other children in need of such help, thank you and may God bless you all”, said Catherine, Eunice’s mother amidst tears.
Eunice’s success story is an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Her journey has taught her family and friends the power of unwavering love and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Eunice’s parents learned that the strongest bonds are forged through challenges, and their daughter’s determination showed them that anything was possible with the right support and determination.
Today, Eunice is a happy, active, and thriving young girl. Her journey from a baby with a clubfoot to a confident five-year-old who can walk is a testament to the human spirit’s incredible capacity for growth and transformation. Her story reminds us all that with love, determination, and the right support system, we can overcome any obstacle in our path, no matter how challenging it may seem. Eunice’s future is as bright as her smile, and she continues to inspire those around her to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams.
Pictures: before and after treatment
CBR Team International 
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