Nobody’s proud about having clubfoot — except for sophomore Shaan Bhatia.
One month ago, Shaan created a fundraiser with the help of nonprofit organization MiracleFeet, which specializes in providing clubfoot treatment to children. It’s safe to say the fundraiser’s doing pretty well — after raising $17,000, Shaan’s not only helping those in need, but spreading awareness about an often overlooked disability.
Clubfoot is a birth defect that creates a bend in the foot. If it goes untreated, it can lead to difficulties in walking and completing daily tasks. Around 10 million people were born with clubfoot, with Shaan being one of them.
When he was younger, Shaan received surgery for his clubfoot. The surgery wasn’t cheap — costing tens of thousands of dollars, he recognizes how lucky he was to afford treatment.
“Being born with clubfoot, I was lucky to live in the United States,” Shaan said. “With how expensive my treatment was, very few people in other countries are able to afford it.”
Through his experiences with clubfoot, Shaan was introduced to MiracleFeet, a nonprofit focusing on clubfoot treatment, through his father’s connection to its CEO.
MiracleFeet’s model is simple: instead of pricey clubfoot surgery at tens of thousands of dollars, they provide developing countries with treatment costing only $500 by funding local medical services.
“We work to treat untreated clubfoot in low-income and middle-income countries around the globe, 37, soon to be 39 countries,” MiracleFeet Donor Engagement Manager Megan Dale said. “We partner with local clinics and provide support to those local clinics so that they can build infrastructure within the country.”
Seeing MiracleFeet’s impact on underprivileged communities, Shaan started his own fundraiser, hoping to help others the same way his surgery helped him.
“A fundraiser just felt really personal to me, and being able to raise awareness and help kids means a lot to me,” Shaan said. “For people with clubfoot in developing countries, you can’t work, go to school, or get a job. Without treatment, it essentially ruins your life.”
Since its start, the fundraiser has been strong. After enlisting the help of some family friends, he was first given a $500 donation — then another $500 donation. Consistently, Shaan was racking up donations close to the thousands. As merely a high schooler in the Bay Area, he attributes his success to his public speaking skills.
“My dad reached out to some of his colleagues, and MiracleFeet helped me reach out to some of the previous donors in the area,” Shaan said. “I’ve talked to people individually, but speaking in front of people about clubfoot really helped make it successful.”
“Shaan, great job in talking and educating us on clubfoot,” stated a donor on his fundraising page. “My cousin was born with clubfoot and she went through surgeries to correct the condition. She was fortunate but not everyone is. We admire the work you are doing in this area.”
In a month, Shaan exceeded his goal of $15,000, becoming one of MiracleFeet’s largest fundraisers.
“What he did is incredible,” Dale said. “That’s 30 children able to be treated with clubfoot. It’s such a life-changing amount, and it’s special that it comes from regular people in the world.”
Now, Shaan’s new goal is $25,000. But rather than focusing on the amount of money raised, he ensures that those in need of treatment are continually supported.
“There isn’t really a permanent goal,” Shaan said. “When people are suffering from clubfoot, it’s something that we should keep talking about.”
To support Shaan’s fundraiser or learn more about the cause, click the link here.
