Blessing is an adorable baby boy who is barely one week old. He is one of three children in his family, and the second born in a set of twins. His family lives in a single-room rental house in the Eastern region of Kenya. Blessing’s mother is a housewife, while his father is a gardener in a nearby neighborhood.
Blessing was born eight days ago with a leaking mass on his lower back. His parents were advised to seek specialized treatment, which they did. Blessing was found to have spina bifida, a condition in which the backbone and the membranes around the spine do not close completely.
Spina bifida is associated with risks such as infection, tethered spinal cord, and scoliosis. A spinal bifida closure surgery is required to close the open spine defect and prevent these potential complications. Blessing’s parents are not able to raise the $805 needed for his surgical care. They never anticipated such a cost, but they are hoping that their son can be treated soon.
“I will not give up on my son, many are hoping for such blessings. It’s my prayer that he gets well and becomes my greatest testimony,” says Blessing’s mother.