Meet Benta, a one-year old girl from Western Kenya. Benta lives with her mother, father, and older sibling. Her father works as a farmhand in order to earn a living and provide for the family. After noticing an abnormal growth on her lower back, Benta’s family sought medical advice and discovered that their daughter has congenital spina bifida.
Congenital spina bifida is a neural condition whereby the spine grows improperly in utero, resulting in a gap between the vertebrae. As the spinal column is a major connecting site for the body’s nervous system, this can be a very serious neurological disorder if left untreated.
According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “Benta has a large cystic mass on the lower backbone area.” They add that intervention will play a crucial role in allowing Benta to grow healthily throughout her childhood, in addition to greatly reducing the risk of infection later in life.
$805 will allow Benta to receive a spina bifida closure to remove the large cyst that is currently obstructing her spinal column. Benta will undergo a surgical operation and receive five days of hospital care in addition to postoperative physical therapy sessions.
AMHF shares, “the surgery will help reduce the risk of developing infections, developing tethered cord and paralysis in her legs.”
Grateful for a healthy baby girl, Benta’s father shares “I pray that our daughter gets better.”