Dennis lives with his 15-year-old mother and his retired grandparents, who are working hard to try to support the youngest member of their family, but they do not have a regular income.
Dennis was born with spina bifida, a congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the neural tube. A portion of the spinal cord protrudes through the skin, causing an open hole in the lower back. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, reports, “if surgery is not done, Dennis is likely to develop an infection or have spinal complications as he grows up. This can lead to mobility issues and nerve damage.”
Dennis’ grandmother is hopeful we can help her grandson. She says, “My hope is to see my grandchild well. How I pray and hope that we’ll find treatment for him. I hope we’ll get support for his surgery.”
For $980, Dennis will receive a spina bifida closure, a surgery that will close the hole in his back. This surgery will reduce Dennis’ risk of infection and eliminate his possibility of developing spinal complications.