Shantel is an nine-year-old girl from Kenya and the only child in her family. Her mother works hard as a waitress, but her income mostly goes towards Shantel’s education and supporting her elderly mother, leaving little for medical expenses. Sadly, Shantel has been facing a painful and distressing condition that has made her life difficult. The swelling above her eye, which started as a small pimple, has caused her significant discomfort and has led to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem as other children tease her. This has made her hesitant to attend school.
In April this year, Shantel’s condition worsened, prompting her mother to seek medical help. After an initial drainage procedure at a local hospital, Shantel felt relief, but by September, the swelling returned, leading them to another hospital, and then to our medical partner’s care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital, for further evaluation. Thankfully, a CT scan revealed that the infection had not spread dangerously. With the help of generous supporters, Shantel underwent another drainage procedure and has been on medication, gradually recovering.
However, during a recent follow-up, the doctor noticed new pimples forming, indicating that her condition could worsen again. Doctors recommend a sinus drainage surgery to remove blockages and improve her health for good.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Shantel receive treatment. On November 13th, she will undergo a sinus drainage procedure to alleviate her symptoms and help her regain her health and confidence. Now, Shantel’s family need help to fund this $1,138 procedure.
Shantel says, “I feel pain every time the swellings come back, and my friends keep asking me what’s wrong. I wish I could tell them, but I just don’t know.”

