Words by Tess Becker
One of the most common birth defects in the world is clubfoot, an affliction that causes otherwise healthy babies to be born with a twisted foot that can even grow upside down.
One organization, MiracleFeet, announced a big success in helping treat babies born with clubfoot. They announced a recent milestone having helped 80,000 children with clubfoot worldwide.
“I’m extremely proud that MiracleFeet has reached 80,000 children with clubfoot care,” said Daphne Sorensen, CEO of MiracleFeet. “This number represents so much more though because when a child with clubfoot is treated, the benefits extend to the family, the community, the country, and on and on. Witnessing lives transformed every day is what keeps us going.”
Through collaborations with local healthcare providers and organizations in low and middle-income countries, MiracleFeet has established a network of clinics and trained medical staff and provided them the resources to deliver the best available treatment for clubfoot, the Ponseti method.
The method is non-invasive and cost-effective, involving gently correcting the position of the feet with casts and maintaining the correction with foot braces worn temporarily at night.
“Witnessing lives transformed every day is what keeps us going,” Daphne said.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Life You Can Save. They work to help end malaria around the world. Consider donating.
TB A!ert. They are working towards a future without tuberculosis. Support them here.
Doctors Without Borders. Medical workers supporting people through crises. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
