Say hello to Innocent, a sweet, one-month old baby boy. He lives in eastern Kenya with his parents, who rely on casual jobs to earn an income. Innocent's parents are hopeful that Watsi can help provide a healthy life for their first child. Innocent was born with spina bifida, a congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the neural tube, in which a portion of the spinal cord protrudes through the skin, causing an open hole in the lower back. As a result, Innocent is at risk of developing a tethered cord, a condition in which the spinal cord attaches to the surrounding tissue. Left untreated, this leads to mobility issues and nerve damage. Innocent’s mother is optimistic that Watsi will help her son: “If I can only have my son treated, I’ll be very grateful. I am hoping that we will find support for his surgical care.”
 For $980 Innocent can receive a closure surgery to correct his spine. Surgery will prevent the development of tethered cord and mitigate Innocent’s risk of infection.