Watsi

Gift from Kenya raised $1,097 to fund spinal surgery.

100%

$1,097 raised, $0 to go

$1,097

raised

to go

Fully funded

Gift's treatment was fully funded on December 24, 2018.

Gift's story
Gift's update

November 5, 2019

Gift underwent spinal surgery.

Gift had successful surgery to close the spinal defect. This minimized the risk of developing tethered cord and paralysis on the lower limbs. However, Gift’s mother was planning to visit the hospital on March 25th 2019 since Gift had breathing problems. They made a stop at another hospital when the problem intensified. Unfortunately, she passed on before they could get here.

“I am grateful to those whose efforts helped my daughter get treatment,” said Gift’s mother.

Gift had successful surgery to close the spinal defect. This minimized the risk of developing tethered cord and paralysis on the lower limbs...

November 19, 2018

Gift is a baby from Kenya. She is this the youngest of four.

Gift was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Gift is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, infection of the exposed nervous tissue, development of tethered cord syndrome, and possible developmental delays.

Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,097 to cover the cost of Gift’s spina bifida closure surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on November 21. This procedure will hopefully spare Gift from the risks associated with her condition, instead allowing her to grow and develop along a healthy trajectory.

Gift is a baby from Kenya. She is this the youngest of four. Gift was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the ...

Submitted by

Learn more

Gift's case was submitted by Joan Kadagaya at African Mission Healthcare Foundation in Kenya.

Gift's Timeline

November 19, 2018
PROFILE SUBMITTED
Gift was submitted by Joan Kadagaya, Curative Medical Support Program-Partner Representative at African Mission Healthcare Foundation, our medical partner in Kenya.
November 19, 2018
PROFILE PUBLISHED
Gift's profile was published to start raising funds.
November 21, 2018
TREATMENT OCCURRED
Gift received treatment at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH). Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.
December 24, 2018
FULLY FUNDED
Gift's treatment was fully funded.
November 05, 2019
TREATMENT UPDATE
We received an update on Gift. Read the update.

Funded by 21 donors

Treatment

Spina Bifida Closure

Cost Breakdown
Diagnosis
Procedure

On average, it costs $1,097 for Gift's treatment

Hospital Fees

$889

Medical Staff

Medication

$82

Supplies

Labs

$126

Symptoms
Impact on patient's life
Cultural or regional significance

What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The patient has a mass or lesion on the back that leaks cerebral spinal fluid, which puts him or her at risk of infection.

What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Spina bifida can cause incontinence, bladder and kidney damage, and paralysis and numbness in the lower limbs, bladder, and sphincter. It can also lead to hydrocephalus as a result of disturbance to the fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus can lead to cognitive dysfunction, blindness, and death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Spina bifida is more common in developing countries due to improper and inadequate nutrition. Foods containing folic acid are scarce, and food is not fortified. In Kenya, however, the Ministry of Health has recently started a program to give expectant mothers folic acid for free at government facilities.

Process
Impact on patient's life
Risks and side-effects
Accessibility
Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient's hospital stay ranges from two days to three weeks. The length of stay depends on the healing rate of the wound and will be extended if the patient also undergoes a shunt insertion to treat hydrocephalus. However, shunt insertions are usually performed about one month after this surgery. The patient is continually monitored. If the wound heals and the patient is in a neurologically stable condition, the surgery is considered successful.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Surgery performed within the first days of a child’s life prevents infection and saves the spine and brain from further damage. Early surgery also minimizes the risk of paralysis. Later treatment may save the child's life and prevent further damage.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This surgery is moderately risky, and complications depend on the severity of the case.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

There are few quality care centers in the region. Hospitals lack adequate resources and expertise to treat this condition. With about one neurosurgeon per 10,000,000 people in East Africa, initial treatment for spina bifida is often unavailable.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Surgery is the primary option for most types of spina bifida.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Kay is a 63-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has six daughters, four grandchildren, and enjoys watching Khmer dramas on television. Five years ago, Kay developed a cataract in her right eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and irritation. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Kay learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On October 10, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her right eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. Kay said, "I hope that I will be able to see clearly so I can go outside on my own and visit the pagoda."

71% funded

71%funded

$151raised

$60to go

Reaksmey is a first grader from Cambodia. She enjoys playing with her older sister and watching her mother cook. Three years ago, Reaksmey placed something inside her nose that is now stuck inside her right nostril. She experiences painful swelling and heavy mucous, making it difficult for her to breathe. Reaksmey traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On January 7th, surgeons at our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre (CSC), will remove the mass. Now, Reaksmey needs help to raise $231 to fund this procedure. "I hope that I will no longer have to worry about the smell in my daughter's nose or the bleeding anymore." -Reaksmey's Mother

0% funded

0%funded

$0raised

$231to go

Seng Vorn is a 50-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has two sons, two daughters, and she enjoys listening to the radio in her free time. Three years ago, Seng Vorn developed a cataract in her left eye, causing her blurry vision, tearing, and photophobia. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Seng Vorn learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for five hours seeking treatment. On December 9th, doctors will perform a small incision cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in her left eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $211 procedure. "I hope that I will be able to look after my family and can help around the house with the cooking again," she shared.

4% funded

4%funded

$10raised

$201to go