Meet Elvis, an eight-month-old boy from Kenya. Elvis’ father is a long-distance truck driver and his mother stays home to take care of him.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), shares that Elvis was born with hypospadias – a developmental condition in which the urethra is unable to grow to its full length. As a result, the urethral opening is located towards the middle, bottom-side of the penis. “Elvis’ parents had never heard of hypospadias until their only son was born with the condition,” AMHF tells us.
AMHF continues, “When they further investigated, they were told about this condition and how much it would cost to repair it – a price they cannot afford.” Despite their efforts, Elvis’ parents have been unable to raise the funds necessary for this life-altering surgery for their son.
For $655, Elvis can receive a hypospadias repair and 10 days of recovery in the hospital. This surgery provides a long-term solution to this condition by extending the length of the urethra.
“It is undoubtedly disheartening to hear about Elvis’ condition,” shares Elvis’ mother. “But what gives me this gleam of hope is the fact that it can be corrected and he will grow to have a fulfilling life just like any other child.”