Five-year-old Travis lives in Kenya and is primarily cared for by his grandmother. His grandmother took over guardianship four years ago when Travis’s mother left the family. Travis’s father works long hours as a construction worker, and his earnings are supplemented with what Travis’s grandmother can provide as a subsistence farmer. “Travis is the son to one of my sons,” she says. “I try to offer the best I can.”
Travis’s grandmother has many children and grandchildren, and knows what to watch for in developing children. That is why she was quick to catch Travis’s undescended testicle three years ago, and was very keen on getting treatment. An undescended testicle requires surgery to avoid risk of developing a painful hernia or testicular cancer. At such a young age, Travis’s doctor told his family he could not undergo treatment, and for the past three years he has been using painkillers daily to alleviate pain in his groin. Travis is finally old enough to have the surgery, however Travis’s family is unable to afford the treatment, despite their attempt to save.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, tells us that for $540, Travis can receive the single orchidopexy procedure he needs to stop regular use of painkillers and avoid serious complications. The total cost includes the procedure, supplies, and three days of inpatient care and meals. Travis and his grandmother are excited for this procedure, and look forward to the many pain-free years ahead.
