Born in Kenya, 10-month-old Brason began exhibiting rapid head growth when he was only a few months old. Brason has come with his mother to our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), to be treated for hydrocephalus.
In babies with hydrocephalus, fluid accumulates in the brain as a result of infection, trauma, genetic defect, or abnormal development of the brain or spinal cord. The effects of hydrocephalus are serious. “The increased intracranial pressure inside the skull may cause progressive enlargement of the head and potentially cause mental disability and tunnel vision,” explains AMHF. “If not treated, there will be continued obstruction of the cerebral spinal fluid flow, leading to brain damage.”
Treatment for hydrocephalus involves insertion of a shunt to drain the excess fluid from the brain and transport it to the abdomen, where it can be resorbed by the body. “A shunt was inserted [into Brason’s head] at a local clinic some miles from his place of residence,” AMHF tells us. “Even then, his head circumference continued increasing, and therefore, a shunt revision is required to help ease the pain the little champ is going through.”
Brason’s mother earns money as a casual laborer doing farm work and laundry, but she cannot afford the additional procedure that her son needs. “I worry about how I can raise funds to enhance his treatment,” she shares.
For $600, Brason will undergo shunt revision surgery. Funding also covers the costs of five days of hospital care, imaging, blood tests, and medicine. Brason’s mother is contributing $20 to help cover additional costs associated with his care.
“Brason’s treatment will reduce the increased intra-cranial pressure on the brain, which could lead to death,” says AMHF.
Brason’s mother looks forward to a successful operation for her son. “I am glad to have found a place where Brason can get treated,” she says.
