Travis is an 18-month-old boy from Kenya. He is an only child, living with a single mother who works as a waitress. The two of them live in Tanariver, a coastal region in Kenya.
Born healthy, at about two months old, Travis started having issues feeding and became irritable.
His symptoms progressed until he was four months old, when he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes excess fluid to accumulate in the head. The effects of this condition can result in delayed development, permanent brain damage, and even death.
The initial treatment, a shunt that drained excess fluid from Travis's head, was successful. At a routine checkup, it was discovered that Travis needed additional treatment: a shunt revision to unblock his existing shunt and prevent possible brain damage.
Having spent all her savings on travel expenses for medical visits, Travis's mother was relieved to learn that Watsi could fund Travis's treatment. On May 5, Travis will undergo the shunt revision. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $634 to fund this procedure.