This is France, a baby from Kenya who is now about one month old. About three weeks ago, France’s mother, Zipporah, discovered that her son had developed an open mass on his back.
France and his mother were immediately referred to Bethany Kids Kijabe Hospital, where Watsi’s medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, operates. At Bethany Hospital, Zipporah was told that her son needs specialized treatment for his spina bifida condition. Spina bifida is a neural birth defect where France’s spinal cord and nervous system did not develop normally. Without treatment, France could acquire life-threatening infections, paralysis of his lower limbs, and more.
The spina bifida closure surgery requires $1,097 in funds. Over a series of surgeries and long term monitoring, France will be a healthy baby boy. Unfortunately, France’s mother depends completely on her income from selling groceries in an open air market. Her husband abandoned them shortly before France was born. With the little income she gets from her business, she is unable to afford the cost of the entire operation.
“I was shocked to hear about the effects of my son’s condition. We depend on little income from selling groceries and it cannot pay for France’s surgical care. I hope we can get help so that he can be treated,” says Zipporah.