Joseph’s parents left the hospital with a healthy baby boy, but one day later he developed a fever. Joseph was admitted to a local hospital where he was treated and sent home. His parents said, “we thought it was over,” but Joseph’s condition worsened.
Two months later, Joseph began crying frequently and felt very cold. His head was abnormally large and his parents became worried so they brought him back to the hospital where he was diagnosed with congenital hydrocephalus. This condition causes fluid to build up in the skull and put pressure on the brain which can result in brain damage, seizures, vision loss, nausea, and even premature death. It became clear that Joseph urgently needed specialized treatment to drain the fluid in his head, but his parents could not afford the cost of his surgery.
Joseph’s mother is a housewife and his father is a construction site worker. He earns a meager income that is just sufficient to support his family’s basic needs.
With $615, Joseph will receive the surgical shunt to drain the excessive fluid from his skull. This will alleviate his symptoms and prevent further complications.
Joseph’s mother says, “we have been through a lot and I am glad to have found a place my son can get the treatment he so requires. Hearing of Watsi was more than a miracle to us and we are happy that despite not being able to raise the entire funds, Watsi can come in for us at some point and for this we are grateful.”
