Meet ten-day-old Simon. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), informs us that Simon, who lives with his mother in Kenya, was born with a congenital neurological condition caused hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus causes an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. In an infant, too much CSF can increase pressure in the brain and inner skull, typically leading to swelling and developmental delays.
Simon’s mother is a single parent. AMHF explains, “Simon’s mother hawks second hand clothes to support the family, but is not able to raise the required funds for Simon’s surgery.”
For $615, Simon will undergo a shunt insertion operation. A shunt will be surgically placed into the swollen area of Simon’s brain–naturally draining the excess CSF and reducing the intracranial pressure.
“Simon’s surgery will help reduce the excessive pressure on the brain, preventing visual impairment and death,” AMHF states.
“It is every mother’s joy when her child is healthy and growing up well and normal and her lowest moment when her child is ill,” AMHF tells us. Simon’s mother adds, “I am hoping there will be help towards Simon’s treatment.”
