Wesley is a two-month-old boy from Kenya. He was growing up healthy and happy for the first month of his life. Then, Wesley's disposition suddenly changed. He become irritable and only slept a few hours each night. Further, his head size was increasing at a much faster rate than his body. His parents knew something was not right, so they sought help from the nearest clinic. Wesley was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. This condition puts a dangerous amount of pressure on the developing brain. Fortunately, on December 9, Wesley underwent a shunt insertion procedure, during which doctors inserted a device to drain the fluid from his brain. Wesley’s father works on construction sites, but his income is not reliable. His family cannot afford healthcare. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $685 to fund this procedure "I am happy to have landed where he can get treatment,” says Wesley’s father.

Meet three-year-old Moise. Moise is a shy little boy who lives in Haiti with his mother, father, and two older brothers. Our medical partner, Haiti Cardiac Alliance (HCA), shares: "Moise is very close to his family and likes to help them around the house and in the garden." His parents make a living for the family growing and selling fruit in a local market. "Moise was born with a cardiac condition called atrial septal defect, in which a hole exists between the two upper chambers of the heart,” shares HCA. “Blood leaks through this hole without first passing through the lungs to obtain oxygen, leaving him weak and sickly. If untreated, the condition could eventually become fatal.” For $1500, Moise will be transported overseas where he will receive heart surgery. Gift of Life International has contributed $5,000 toward his treatment cost. This surgery will restore normal blood flow to his heart, relieving him of all symptoms. "We are so very happy that Moise can get his heart fixed so that we no longer have to worry so much about his health," his mother adds.

Meet Beatrice, a four-month old girl living in Tanzania. Our medical partner, American Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Beatrice is not feeding very well and she often cries.” This is due to hydrocephalus, a congenital condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. This causes an increase in intracranial pressure, putting Beatrice at a high risk of developmental delays and impaired vision. Beatrice’s parents, who plan to marry, are not able to afford the procedure that Beatrice needs. AMHF tells us, “Beatrice’s father relies on his parents and spends his time helping out in the farms so he can earn a little bit of money.” Beatrice’s mother was previously a full-time secretarial student, eager to finish her studies and start working. She has since had to discontinue her courses and move in with her parents in order to care for Beatrice who needs her full attention. For $775, Beatrice will receive a hydrocephalus shunt placement in order to drain the fluid in her brain and reduce the intracranial pressure. AMHF tells us that with treatment, “The size of Beatrice’s head will not continue to increase and she will not lose her vision.” Beatrice’s mother shares, “I hope my baby will get well, continue with normal growth and later on go to school.” Let’s help make this happen for Beatrice and her family!