Simon is a shy, three-year-old boy from Kenya who never lets his mother out of sight. Simon was born with a cleft lip and spina bifida. At six months, Simon underwent spina bifida repair and a cleft lip repair. Weeks later, Simon’s head had increased in size and he had a shunt insertion to drain the excess fluid in his brain. However, he now requires a shunt revision surgery to ensure the continued function of the shunt.
Due to his condition, Simon has had delayed milestones and he cannot do some of the tasks children his age can, such as walking. Recently, Simon has been experiencing headaches and is also irritable. Simon is experiencing the headaches due to the increased intra-cranial pressure from the extra fluid in the brain. If not treated, he is at risk of brain damage, blindness and even death.
Simon, the last born in a family of five children, is now back to hospital requiring a shunt revision. Simon was lucky enough to get funding for the previous surgeries he underwent. Unfortunately, his parents are not yet financially stable to cater for this other surgery that Simon requires. They make a menial income from the sale of second hand clothes and this income is also used to support the larger family. Simon’s family lives in a two roomed house in the Coastal region of Kenya.
After a shunt revision, Simon will be relieved from the excessive intra-cranial pressure in his brain. This will reduce the chances of brain damage, blindness or even death. The total surgery cost is $600.
“I hope Simon gets relief from the pain he is in,” his mother shared. “We will appreciate any help towards his treatment.”
