This little fellow is three-day-old Juma. He is his parents’ first-born child. Juma was born with an exposed mass on the lower part of his back, part of a condition called spina bifida. The mass reduces blood supply to his spinal nerves and causes damage to his spinal cord. Doctors say that if it continues to grow, Juma may develop a curved spine (scoliosis) and incontinence. He is also at increased risk of infection because of the exposed mass. Juma’s mother, Miriam, is a housewife, and his father, Nickson, supports the family by working in a clinic in Nairobi. Their income is very meager, and they have had trouble raising the funds required for Juma’s surgery. Juma’s mother says, “The last three days have been so difficult since Juma was delivered. My prayer and hope is that he will get treatment, and I hope we’ll get support for his treatment.” For $980, Juma will receive surgery to close the mass on his back. He will be at a reduced risk of infection and nerve damage. Let’s support baby Juma and his parents, Miriam and Nickson, as they start their life together as a healthy family!