Leramat is a sweet 11-year-old boy from Kenya.
Two months ago, he started experiencing persistent stomachaches and headaches and was vomiting frequently. His mother tried to get some medication to help, but when his condition did not change, she brought him to a nearby hospital. After spending three days in the hospital in which medication was not helping, Leramat was referred to the county hospital for treatment. After a few days, his condition improved, but by this time, he had started to lose functions of his legs. His left eye had been greatly affected, and he also lost the ability to see with that eye. An MRI and a CT scan were done that revealed that he had a tumor in his head.
The facility then referred them to our medical partner’s hospital for urgent treatment. The doctors examined Leramat and also diagnosed him with hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Leramat has been scheduled for a shunt insertion surgery to help drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid. The doctors hope that this will buy them some time before coming up with a clear decision on how to remove the tumor.
Leramat’s family is requesting financial assistance. They live in an area where it is very challenging to get casual jobs, so for survival, the family relies on selling the family cattle for a living. They do not have insurance and need assistance raising the money to pay for the hospital procedures.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery to treat his hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled for November 15th, in which surgeons will drain the excess fluid from Leramat’s brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Leramat will develop into a strong, healthy young boy.
His mother says, “Leramat was doing very well and was very active. I hope that he gets well before schools open.”

