BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH)

Juma is a 19-year-old young man from Kenya. His mother gave birth to him at home with the help of midwives, and Juma was brought to a hospital a day later for a review. Tests at the hospital showed that he was healthy baby boy, and his mother took him back home. Six days after his birth, however, Juma started convulsing and crying persistently. Additionally, his head had started growing significantly more than the rest of his body, and his mother was alarmed. Worried, Juma's mother took him to the nearest dispensary, where painkillers were prescribed, but with no definitive diagnosis. The next few days were quiet. Juma was able to sleep well, and his mother was able to sigh with relief. However, this was short-lived and Juma began crying persistently again. His mother took him back to the dispensary, only for her to get sent back home with a fresh batch of painkillers. This trend went on for three months. Determined to ease her son’s agony, Juma's mother took him to a larger hospital, where he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Juma and his mother were then referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). At the hospital, Juma underwent a shunt insertion surgery to drain the excess fluid and relieve the pressure. He was discharged a few days later, his mother's hope rekindled. She looked forward to a brighter and healthier future for Juma. In the 15 years that followed, Juma was growing healthy, attending school, playing with his peers and helping with household chores. He still underwent routine check-ups, and showed no signs of distress or concern. One day, Juma started experiencing headaches, and soon after, blurred vision. Worried for her son's health, Juma’s mother took him to a referral hospital, where he underwent a shunt revision surgery. Less than two years later, however, the shunt malfunctioned. Juma’s parents had to sell their livestock and farm so they could afford the medical bill, and hoped that this time it would be a longer-term solution. Recently, Juma started convulsing and vomiting. His mother contacted BKKH's mobile clinic team, who advised her to bring him in for surgery. The family struggled to raise funds to facilitate their journey to Kijabe, which is about a 10 hour journey from where they live at the Coast, and got to the hospital a few days ago. Juma is now scheduled for a shunt revision surgery on July 1st. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $574 to cover the cost of surgery for Juma, to relieve his symptoms and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Juma will continue developing into a strong, healthy young man. Juma says: "I am in so much pain, I feel like my head is about to explode. I hope that this surgery will ease my pain and allow me to go back home soon."

Twelve-year-old Lucy is a young, cheerful girl from Kenya. She was the lastborn in a family of nine children, and she has always been surrounded by eight older siblings, one of whom was always there to look after her and to play with her. When she was five months old, Lucy’s mother noticed that her daughter’s head was the only part of her body that was growing. Her head had grown so much that her neck could no longer carry its weight. Lucy began crying and vomiting so much that it worried her parents. After a few days, they decided to rush her to the nearest dispensary. The doctors said that her symptoms were identical to those of typhoid and malaria. Lucy was given medication to treat her symptoms, and for a while, things seemed to have resolved themselves. Lucy was back to her normal, cheerful, and playful self. As soon as she had finished taking her medications, however, the crying and vomiting started again, this time worse than before. It was then that a neighbor told the family about BethanyKids. Lucy’s parents travelled from Njoro to Kijabe, holding onto the belief that finally their daughter would be put out of her misery. Lucy was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Lucy underwent a shunt insertion surgery, which was a resounding success. Within days of admission, she was discharged. Her recovery was smooth, and her growth has since been normal and without any problems. For over 10 years, Lucy has had a normal childhood, playing and attending school with her peers and siblings. Currently in grade six, Lucy enjoys spending time in school, with art being her favorite subject. “I love making many different things with my hands, using whatever resources are available,” she adds. Life had made the family forget about her condition and the early days of Lucy’s life. One week ago, around the time Lucy was doing her midterm exams, she started experiencing headaches. Determined to finish her exams before seeking medical help, Lucy kept this to herself. One day, while in school, her headaches got so severe that she started crying and screaming in extreme pain. Her friends had to carry her home. Doctors ran tests on Lucy and determined she needs a shunt revision surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $574 to cover the cost of surgery for Lucy. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 3rd. During the procedure, surgeons will drain the excess fluid from Lucy's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve Lucy's quality of life. With proper treatment, Lucy will continue developing into a strong, healthy young girl. "I hope the pain that I feel will end after the surgery, and that I'll be able to go back to school as soon as possible," Lucy said.

George is a two-month-old baby boy from Kenya, and the third born child in his family. When he was born, doctors informed his mother that he had two conditions; spina bifida, a neural tube birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, and hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Upon discharge from the hospital, the family was referred to the national referral hospital, where George underwent successful spinal repair surgery when he was a week old. For two months, George was progressing well until recently when he started convulsing. A friend advised his mother to bring him to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). George underwent several tests at BKKH, and it was established that he needed an ETV procedure to treat the hydrocephalus. While waiting for the scheduled surgery date, George started convulsing again and his mother rushed him back to hospital. He was scheduled for an urgent procedure, but his family is unable to afford the cost of treatment. “I feel like we should just go back home and look for money before we come back,” she says, wiping her tears. When George convulses, her heart breaks into a million pieces. Torn between the cost of treatment and her son’s well-being is a mother who wishes for a miracle. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for George that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 6th and will drain the excess fluid from George's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, George will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. "Seeing my son convulse has been the most difficult moment of motherhood for me. I hope that this surgery will end the convulsions," George's mother says.

Mirishoi is a five-month-old baby from Kenya. Soon after she was born, doctors advised that she be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for observation. They explained that Mirishoi was born with two conditions; hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure, and spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, leaving a gap in the backbone. The opening on Mishiroi's back was so large that it was at a higher risk of infection. Her parents were worried and anxious. The thought of their daughter having a lifelong condition that required constant supervision made them question whether they could provide for her special needs and treatments. Even so, they were determined to be supportive towards her needs. Two weeks later, Mishiroi was discharged from the hospital, and the family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) for review and treatment. Mishiroi underwent both a spina bifida repair surgery and shunt insertion procedure for hydrocephalus. The burden of medical costs left the family in debt as they struggled to clear their daughter’s medical bills. With both parents unemployed, raising the required funds became overwhelming, as they had to borrow money from friends and family. Thankfully, Mirishoi’s recovery was smooth, and they were discharged soon after. They returned home with the hope that their daughter’s life would get back on track, allowing her to grow and enjoy her childhood. At a follow up clinic two weeks later, Mirishoi was found to have developed an infection. She was started on medication and later underwent a shunt revision surgery. The additional medical bills placed a heavy burden on her family, prompting Mishiroi's father to sell their goats, but the money he raised was still not enough. The hospital management decided to waive some of the costs. A month after discharge, her mother noticed that the shunt had become exposed on Mishiroi's abdomen. An infection was found to have caused the exposed shunt and Mishiroi underwent an EVD procedure under Watsi's support. Mirishoi has since recovered from the infection and is awaiting another shunt insertion surgery, but her parents are unable to afford the cost of her upcoming treatment. Despite these challenges, they hope for support that will give their daughter a chance at a healthier future. Without treatment, Mirishoi will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $574 to cover the cost of surgery for Mirishoi that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 9th, and will drain the excess fluid from Mirishoi's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Mirishoi will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Mishiroi's mother says: "My child has been in and out of surgery so many times. I feel like I am failing as mother. I really hope that this surgery will be the last in a very long while, if not forever."

Maxwell is a three-year-old boy from Kenya. Maxwell was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remain undescended. If left untreated, Maxwell has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future. Maxwell will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare (AMH). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on July 15th. AMH is requesting $470 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care. Maxwell's mother shared, "It has been tough going in and out of the hospital without getting help. However, I am hopeful that this surgery will solve my son's situation, allowing him to join school next year."

Aurelia is a beautiful five-month-old baby girl who lives with her mother in Kenya. Despite numerous medical challenges, she is a joyful baby who has filled her mother’s life with love. Aurelia was born with clubfoot and a cleft lip and palate, and was referred to a larger hospital for further evaluation. She travelled to the hospital with her mother and grandmother, where a mobile team from our medical partner happened to be running a clinic. Aurelia received a thorough evaluation during which she was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Her family was informed that they would need to travel to our partner’s medical care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). On the journey to Kijabe, Aurelia’s mother was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, thinking of the worst. Fortunately, at the hospital, doctors were able to provide some reassurance and hope about Aurelia's condition. They also established that Aurelia did not immediately need surgery for the hydrocephalus, and could instead be monitored for changes. Unfortunately, over time, Aurelia’s brain has continued to accumulate fluid, and doctors are recommending surgery. Without treatment, Aurelia will experience severe physical and developmental delays. As a single mother from a humble background, Aurelia's mother is relying on donors to help with her daughter's surgical bills. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Aurelia that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 17th and will drain the excess fluid from Aurelia's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Aurelia will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Aurelia’s mother shared, "It took us weeks to come to Kijabe; however, I am holding onto the hope that after the surgery, our lives will go back to normal, even as we figure out a way of helping Aurelia get another surgery for her cleft.”

Sakai is a two-year-old girl from Kenya. Her birth was greatly anticipated, and her parents were overjoyed when she was born. She is a joyful child, who is adored by her five older siblings. When Sakai was about two weeks old, her parents took her to the hospital for a routine check‑up. They mentioned that her head seemed to be growing faster than normal, but their concerns were dismissed. The family returned home, and Sakai continued to grow and meet her developmental milestones. One day, however, Sakai suddenly became unable to sit or stand without support, even though she had previously been able to walk. Her eyes also appeared sunken. Her parents quickly rushed her to a nearby hospital, where she was referred to our partner’s medical care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). Sakai and her family travelled 200 kilometers to BKKH, where she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Without treatment, Sakai will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Sakai that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 17th and will drain the excess fluid from Sakai's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Sakai will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Sakai’s parents shared, “Our daughter, who was once able to sit, stand, and walk on her own, is now unable to do so. We hold onto the hope that after this surgery, she will be able to walk on her own once again.”

Rachel is an active and social 12-year-old girl from Kenya. Despite her challenges, she remains hopeful and optimistic about her future. Rachel is currently in Grade 7, but has paused her studies due to her medical condition. Two days after Rachel was born, her mother noticed that Rachel's head was enlarging and that her eyes appeared sunken. Rachel was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Rachel underwent shunt insertion surgery to drain the excess fluid, but the shunt failed within days. Rachel and her mother then journeyed 130 kilometers to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital. There, Rachel underwent a successful shunt revision surgery, and her mother’s joy was beyond words. They returned home, and life improved significantly. Unfortunately, hydrocephalus shunts can become blocked over time, making revision surgeries necessary. Rachel has had two more surgeries at three and seven years of age. She now requires another shunt revision surgery, so that she can resume her daily activities like other children her age. Without surgery, Rachel will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Rachel that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 13th and will drain the excess fluid from Rachel's brain. Rachel shares, "I am in pain, I haven't been able to go to school. I want to get better so that I can continue learning. I look forward to leaving the hospital feeling better so that I can go home, play with my siblings, and attend school."

Mdoe is a 14-year-old boy from Kenya. Shortly after his birth, Mdoe showed signs that his intestines were not working properly. He was brought to several hospitals, but was not given a clear diagnosis. Mdoe's condition worsened. He was visibly in pain, restless, and crying constantly. Mdoe's mother was determined to find help. She took him to a larger facility, where doctors explained that his intestines were intertwined and that he would need surgery. He would require a colostomy bag to help him pass stool. After a few days of monitoring, they were discharged. But only days later, complications arose, and Kinago underwent surgery at the same hospital. Life after surgery was far from easy. His mother took him for clinic checkups several times, striving to remain consistent with his care. But back at home, reality pressed in. Both parents engage in small-scale farming, stretching each harvest to provide for their eight children. Eventually, the cost of continued clinic visits became impossible to sustain. Now fourteen, Mdoe has never been able to attend school. It breaks his heart to watch children his age walk to class while he remains at home. His condition requires him to change his colostomy bag regularly, yet he has been using the same one since early childhood. Some schools refused to admit him. Over time, discouraged and burdened by school fees, his mother stopped trying. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. On February 12th, Mdoe will undergo abdominal surgery that will improve Mdoe's quality of life. His family needs help raising $1,081 to fund his procedure and care. Mdoe's mother shared, “It is painful when your child asks you why he cannot go to school like other children. I see the longing in his eyes, and I wish I could take this condition away from him. I may not have wealth, but I have never stopped fighting for him, even when the journey felt too heavy for my shoulders.”

Zubeir is a 20-month-old baby from Kenya. His father takes on occasional environmental cleaning jobs offered by the government, work that may come only once or twice a year. Seven months after Zubeir was born, his parents began to notice something that unsettled their hearts. Zubeir has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Zubeir has been experiencing his head growing larger than normal. They rushed him to a nearby medical facility in their desperation for answers. The family was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Zubeir that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on February 12th and will drain the excess fluid from Zubeir's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Zubeir will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. “Every day I see him, I see strength and possibility. I pray the surgery will help him shine even brighter,” Zubeir’s father shared.

Ethan is a one-month-old baby boy from Kenya. He was born with spina bifida, a condition where the baby's spinal column and spinal cord do not close completely before birth. He was referred to our medical partner's care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, for specialized care. At four days old, Ethan underwent spinal closure surgery. While Ethan was in recovery, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Ethan has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Ethan will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Ethan that will treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on June 25th and will drain the excess fluid from Ethan's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Ethan will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Ethan's mother shared, "I find it hard to understand why this had to happen to my son. He is going through unimaginable pain. I wish I could bear the pain on his behalf. I am, however, hopeful that this surgery will put an end to his misery."

Nancy is a three-year-old girl from Kenya. She has undergone multiple procedures across different specialties, including pediatric surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic care. Each surgery was a step toward healing, yet each also took a heavy toll on her young body and spirit. Anxiety and fear make the hospital visits deeply distressing for her. Meanwhile, her father, the sole provider for the family, lost his job following a motorbike accident and has been unable to return to work. The emotional toll on Nancy’s parents has been overwhelming. Her father's greatest wish is simple and heartfelt: he longs to see his daughter healed, free from frequent hospital visits, and able to live a normal childhood filled with play, laughter, and possibility. Following five previous procedures, Nancy now requires a colostomy reversal surgery in order to restore bowel function and prevent future complications. It is the next step in her journey toward healing and normalcy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,020 to cover the cost of a colostomy closure for Nancy. The surgery is scheduled to take place on February 5th. Once completed, Nancy should be able to live more comfortably and confidently. Nancy’s father shared, "I never imagined my three-year-old would know so much pain. As a father, all I want is for Nancy to get well, stop coming back to the hospital so often, and live a normal, happy life."