Ryan is a two-month-old baby boy from Kenya. Ryan lives with his single mother and his grandparents. The family relies on Ryan’s grandfather who loads sand on lorries to earn money.
Ryan was born with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Ryan has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. During the first two post-natal clinics, his mother would tell the doctors about the problem, but they would dismiss it saying that it is nothing to be worried about. After Ryan’s mom took him to a different hospital, Ryan was examined and diagnosed with hydrocephalus. He was immediately referred for treatment and has been scheduled for a shunt insertion surgery to help drain the fluid from his brain. Without treatment, Ryan will experience severe physical and developmental delays.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery. The procedure is scheduled to take place on September 4th and will drain the excess fluid from Ryan’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Ryan will, hopefully, develop into a strong, healthy young boy.
Ryan’s mother says, “It is very hard for me to work because I cannot leave him with anyone.”
