Rebecca is a two-week-old baby girl from Tanzania who was born with spina bifida. She was delivered in a local hospital and referred to the district hospital for better management. Rebecca has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Rebecca has been experiencing a swell on her back. Without treatment, Rebecca will experience severe physical and developmental delays. She had surgery recommended but her family was not able to raise the money needed. Rebecca's parents were referred to our facility by a friend where she was enrolled in the program for surgical funding. Rebecca's parents are peasant farmers. Their reliance on small scale farming limits their ability to raise sufficient funds for her treatment. They appeal for help. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,238 to cover the cost of surgery for Rebecca that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure will drain the excess fluid from Rebecca's brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Rebecca will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Rebecca’s mother says, “our daughter needs this surgery but the cost if very high for us to afford please help us.”

"Besita is a healthy and charming baby girl," her mother tells us. "I treasure her so much and would be very happy if she responds to the treatment." Besita is a newborn baby girl from Malawi. She was born with hydrocephalus -- a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in her brain. "Besita’s head is very big, [she has] delayed milestones in that she is not able to see properly and has feeding problems," shares our medical partner, World Altering Medicine (WAM). "She is finding life irritable and always crying." Hydrocephalus is treatable with a shunt placement in the head to drain the fluid. Besita's parents, however, are unable to afford the $992 procedure. "The family is poor and has problems feeding the children they have," WAM adds. "They depend on selling vegetables and cannot contribute any amount of money for surgery." Fortunately, we can help. Because Besita can be treated quickly after birth, WAM tells us she has a much higher likelihood of hitting all of her developmental milestones, and growing up without complication from the hydrocephalus. The pressure in her head will normalize, and she will be able to see clearly and feel more comfortable. Let's help make it happen!