Meet Anslot, a 12-month-old boy from Haiti who was born with hydrocephalus. “After Anslot was born his mother noticed that he cried a lot during the night,” our medical partner, Project Medishare (PM), explains, “so she took him to the hospital where he spent 20 days receiving care. Three months later Anslot’s head became much bigger and so he went back to the hospital where his mother was referred to our hospital.”
PM continues, “Anslot is facing symptoms such as fever, seizure, and sometimes flu. He also cannot sit up or carry his head.”
If Anslot does not receive treatment, his symptoms will worsen and he will be at risk for brain damage, decreased physical and mental capabilities, and even death. However, paying for care is very difficult for Anslot’s family.
“Anslot is one of four children,” PM says, “and lives in the countryside with his three sisters and mother. His father lives in the city doing random jobs to support his family, but they are poor and cannot pay for the surgery to save Anslot’s life.”
Anslot’s mother adds, “His sickness causes a lot of problems because I cannot sleep at all during the night and I have to move and hold him.”
With $1,260 in funding, Anslot will receive a hydrocephalus shunt placement. During this procedure, the excess fluid will be drained from Anslot’s head and, as the surgery’s name suggests, a shunt will be placed in the area to prevent future cerebrospinal fluid buildup. According to PM, “Treatment will have a very positive impact on Anslot’s life; after the surgical intervention the other issues caused by the hydrocephalus will be eliminated Anslot will have access to a safer and healthier life.”