“Kioko is 20 days old today,” our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us about the baby boy from Kenya. He has recently been diagnosed with meningomyelocele, a type of spina bifida.
Spina bifida is a rare neural tube defect with three main forms, meningomyelocele being the most common. The condition has caused Kioko’s spinal cord to be exposed, with only a thin sack covering it.
Due to his condition, “Kioko has a leaking mass that is swelling on the lower backbone area,” AMHF reports. This puts him at risk of infection and developing tethered cord, which can lead to scoliosis (curvature of the spine), kyphosis (rounded spine), and loss of muscle function in his lower limbs.
After visiting a local hospital, Kioko’s parents were told they would need to go elsewhere for specialized treatment. “They have finally landed where they can get help, but unfortunately Kioko’s father’s income is not enough to fund their son’s surgery,” AMHF explains.
The treatment will cost $805, and will consist of spina bifida closure surgery, a five-day hospital stay, and three days of physical therapy. “The surgery will help reduce the risk of Kioko developing infection, tethered cord, and paralysis of his legs,” AMHF tells us.
“I would love to see my son get treated,” Kioko’s father shares. “My biggest fear is that my son could become disabled, but I hope that is not the case.”
