James is a 13-month-old boy living in Eastern Kenya with his mother, father, and older sister. He was born as a normal baby boy, but one month later his mother noticed that, unlike his elder sister, his head was fast increasing in size.
James was diagnosed with a condition known as Congenital Hydrocephalus, which causes an abnormal enlargement of his head due to an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. According to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), “If not treated, the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid could cause potentially fatal brain damage.”
James needs a shunt to be surgically placed to help manage the growing pressure that he has on his brain caused by the fluid buildup. By relieving the pressure, James will be able to avoid the brain damage would could cause developmental issues or even death.
“I hope I can get help to have him treated. I tried and raised the little I could,” says James’ father.
James’ father is a subsistence farmer and his mother sells the produce in the nearby market. Although they work hard to support their family, James’ parents can only afford to subsidize $20.00 of the $635.00 required for his treatment. James’ parents are hopeful that this treatment will be funded so that their child will grow up to live a normal and healthy life with his family.