Grace is a six-month-old baby girl who lives with her parents in Kenya. Though Grace has experienced her share of health challenges, she is a joyful baby whose laughter lightens her parents’ burdens. Her father works as a delivery driver, while her mother cares for Grace full-time.
Grace’s symptoms were first noticed on her mother’s third-trimester pregnancy scan. Shortly after birth, Grace was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Complications during pregnancy also led to feeding issues once Grace was born, and she had to be kept under observation until she could have shunt insertion surgery at three weeks old. Following the surgery, Grace contracted meningitis, which further delayed her recovery and hospital discharge.
A few weeks later, Grace’s mother noticed her head increasing in size at an alarming rate and brought her back to BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital, our partner’s medical care center. Doctors discovered that the shunt had malfunctioned, and Grace is now scheduled for another shunt insertion surgery. However, Grace’s prior treatments have depleted the family’s medical insurance for the year. Without timely treatment, Grace will experience severe physical and developmental delays.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Grace that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 24th and will drain the excess fluid from Grace’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Grace will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl.
Grace’s mother says, “My only wish is to see my daughter’s head stop increasing in size. I would be truly happy if she didn’t have to undergo another surgery, because it breaks my heart every time.”

