Eight-month-old Vivian lives with her mother and father in Kenya.
“Vivian was born without an anal opening,” explains our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “She passes stool through a colostomy opening on the upper section of her abdomen and then into a collection bag.”
“Vivian is at risk of infection because of occasional leakages that occur and cause general irritation and scaring on her skin,” AMHF adds. “If not treated, she will never be able to pass stool normally.”
Vivian’s mother stays at home to care for her, while her father works as a cleaner at a shop close to their home, The money that her father earns does not cover basic needs for the family and his orphaned siblings, whom he also supports. Given the family’s financial situation, they are unable to pay for Vivian’s medical care.
With $1,260 in funding, Vivian can undergo an anorectoplasty to create a new anal opening and correct the anorectal malformation. The surgery, says AMHF, will “allow Vivian to pass stool normally.”
“I hope my child will pass stool normally soon,” says Vivian’s father. “Thank you for helping us.”