Baby Desta is a seven-month-old girl who lives in Ethiopia with her parents and two older brothers. She is active, cheerful, and loves smiling. Her father works as a daily laborer, while her mother is a homemaker. Despite limited income, her parents remain committed to fulfilling their children’s needs.
Baby Desta was born with a condition called Hirschprung’s disease. This is where a portion of the intestine does not have proper nerve function, causing bowel dysfunction. When she was about two weeks old, Baby Desta’s abdomen started to swell, prompting her mother to bring her to a health center. At the health center, the family was referred to a higher-level hospital.
Baby Desta was admitted to the hospital, and doctors advised that she would require surgery to remove the affected part of the bowel, or she would continue to have symptoms and be at risk of serious complications. This greatly concerned her parents, who worried they could not afford treatment. Thankfully, after a long and stressful journey through multiple health facilities, the family was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Myungsung Christian Medical Centre.
Baby Desta will undergo surgery on November 2nd. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,500 to cover the cost of the procedure and related medical care.
Baby Desta’s mother shared, “Thank you so much to everyone. May God protect you in your work and continue to bless you as you help others. Thank you for your kindness and support.”
