“11-year-old Veronicah was born at home with a cystic mass on her back. To her mother it never occurred to be anything of concern. When Veronica, the third born in a family of four children, attained the age of four years, she walked with a little limp that caught the attention of many around her,” says our medical partner in Kenya, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
“Friends advised her parents to seek for specialized treatment which they did, and later on advised to get a scan for her back. It took years but Veronica’s parents’ still could not raise the entire amount needed for the scan,” AMHF continues. “Lucky enough, they were allowed a scan with the little they had raised from a hospital near their home. The scan was revealed that they would require more finances for Veronicah to have a surgery.”
The mass is a condition called spina bifida, and Veronicah is at a risk of getting infections on her exposed nerves. She is also at a risk of lower limbs paralysis.
For $805, Veronicah will receive a spina bifida closure procedure. “Veronicah’s treatment will keep her from the risk of infections, and further loss of muscle function on her legs,” AMHF says.
“Lack of knowledge and finances is a terrible thing. I am afraid that my daughter will become disabled- that thought alone scares me but I am hopeful that she will be well,” says Veronicah’s mother.
“Some schoolmates mimic my walking, but I know I will walk well one day,” Veronicah adds.
