“My dream for James is to see him get well, and grow up like other children,” James’ mother tells our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). Since birth, this baby boy from Kenya has experienced health complications due to an anorectal malformation—a rare condition in which the anal region improperly develops in utero.
AMHF explains, “He is not able to pass stool normally and instead uses a colostomy bag. With his condition, James is at risk of suffering constipation and bowel perforation due to an inability to pass stool normally. He is also at risk of infections at the colostomy site if not treated.”
Despite their efforts, James’ parents have been unable to get him the treatment he needs to fully correct the condition. AMHF tells us that James was brought to a “public hospital near his home when he was born to try to repair the malformation.” Unfortunately, this procedure was unsuccessful because he requires a more complete operation.
$1,1260 will fund a complete anorectal malformation correction surgery. Given the complexity of the issue, this will be a two-stage procedure. First, James will undergo an anorectoplasty to realign his bowel and resume normal bowel functionality. Second, he will receive a colostomy, allowing him to independently pass stool. In addition to these surgeries, James will receive eight days of care in the hospital and all of the laboratory examinations necessary for a safe operation and recovery.
Commenting on the impact of this procedure, AMHF shares that “James’ treatment will help him to pass stool normally. He will no longer be susceptible to infection.”