Jalen is a baby from Kenya. Jalen’s father is a smallholder farmer while his mom takes care of the house. She recently completed college and is yet to secure a job. Jalen has a 7-year-old sibling and together they all live in a small, rented house.
To help treat his anorectal condition, Jalen underwent a colostomy, in which the end of the colon is brought through an opening in the abdominal wall. This surgery is often performed to bypass bowel malformations, but colostomies are usually temporary and may call for closure. In Jalen’s case, his colostomy requires closure in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications as he grows and develops.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $650 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Jalen. The surgery is scheduled to take place on September 15th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably and confidently.
Jalen’s mother says, “It will be great joy to us as a family when Jalen undergoes his last surgery.”