Aurelia is a beautiful five-month-old baby girl who lives with her mother in Kenya. Despite numerous medical challenges, she is a joyful baby who has filled her mother’s life with love.
Aurelia was born with clubfoot and a cleft lip and palate, and was referred to a larger hospital for further evaluation. She travelled to the hospital with her mother and grandmother, where a mobile team from our medical partner happened to be running a clinic. Aurelia received a thorough evaluation during which she was also diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Her family was informed that they would need to travel to our partner’s medical care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH).
On the journey to Kijabe, Aurelia’s mother was overwhelmed with fear and anxiety, thinking of the worst. Fortunately, at the hospital, doctors were able to provide some reassurance and hope about Aurelia’s condition. They also established that Aurelia did not immediately need surgery for the hydrocephalus, and could instead be monitored for changes.
Unfortunately, over time, Aurelia’s brain has continued to accumulate fluid, and doctors are recommending surgery. Without treatment, Aurelia will experience severe physical and developmental delays. As a single mother from a humble background, Aurelia’s mother is relying on donors to help with her daughter’s surgical bills.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Aurelia that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 17th and will drain the excess fluid from Aurelia’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Aurelia will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl.
Aurelia’s mother shared, “It took us weeks to come to Kijabe; however, I am holding onto the hope that after the surgery, our lives will go back to normal, even as we figure out a way of helping Aurelia get another surgery for her cleft.”
