Maxwell is a young boy from Kenya. A few months after his birth during a bath, Maxwell’s mother noticed that one of his testes had not descended. A few days later she took him to the hospital for the doctor’s review. After an examination, the doctor told Maxwell’s mother that his condition is normal and that it will resolve with time.
More than two years later she went back to the same facility for a doctor’s examination for Maxwell. The physician immediately referred them to Watsi’s Medical Partner Care Center BethanyKids Hospital for treatment. Upon arrival, Maxwell was reviewed and scans were done. The doctor advised them to wait for two more years to see if there would be any change on its own.
During clinic review after two more years, the doctor advised testicular surgery. Three years ago, Maxwell’s mother separated from his father due to family disagreements. The separation left her to take care of their two children. And, earlier this year, Maxwell’s mother lost her job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She used to be a private school teacher and now she takes on casual jobs she can find to sustain her family. She has currently enrolled in the ‘kazi mtaani program’ where she works eleven days a month and the other days she does laundry work for her neighbors. The upcoming surgery for her son is a very steep mountain for her to climb as she cannot raise the funds. Maxwell’s mother is appealing for financial help.
Maxwell was diagnosed with cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles remains undescended. If left untreated, Maxwell has an increased risk of developing hernias, testicular cancer, and fertility problems in the future.
Maxwell will be receiving assistance from our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Fortunately, he is scheduled to undergo corrective surgery on October 8th. AMHF is requesting $561 to cover the total cost of his procedure and care.
Maxwell’s mother says, “With the current situation I am in as a single parent, it is difficult for me to even sustain my family. I am requesting for any financial help that can be offered to us.”