The only child of his family, two-year-old Charles lives with his mother in Kenya. As a single parent, Charles’ mother works hard to support him by washing clothes for families in their community.
Due to a neurological condition called hydrocephalus, Charles faces the possibility of experiencing developmental delays, our medical partner African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF) reports. Hydrocephalus results when part of the brain becomes blocked and causes fluid to build up. When this occurs, the brain swells and the head increases in size.
AMHF explains that Charles’ condition leads to frequent headaches and irritability.
According to AMHF, Charles first showed signs of hydrocephalus at seven months old. Unsure what to do, Charles’ mother eventually sought medical help and was informed that surgical intervention was necessary to allow Charles to lead a healthy childhood.
With $600, Charles will receive surgery to treat his hydrocephalus and provide him the opportunity to grow normally. Using a widely practiced shunt procedure, the excess fluid in Charles’ brain will be drained out.
In addition to surgery, the total cost of this operation includes five days of intensive hospital care as well as all of the necessary laboratory tests to closely monitor Charles’ recovery.
AMHF states, “Charles’ surgery will help eliminate the pressure impact on his brain, and allow him live quality life.”
“I feel helpless when I hear my two-year-old son crying and screaming ‘Mama, Mama’ holding his head. His pain because of his headache resonates in my mind. Please help him get treated,” shares Charles’ mother.