Abigael is a one-month-old baby who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the brain and increases pressure on the skull. As Abigael’s father denied any parental responsibility, Abigael is currently cared for by her mother and grandparents. Both grandparents are farmers who work hard to put their own children through school and pay for Abigael’s medical treatments.
Abigael received her first treatments for spina bifida and hydrocephalus from a referral hospital in Tanzania. Although she was initially doing well, the shunt that had been previously inserted migrated to a new location and stopped draining properly. Doctors tried to massage the shunt back to its original position, but it had already become infected. Ever since, Abigael has been vomiting and experiencing regularly high fevers. Without treatment, her symptoms will continue and may ultimately result in death.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $728 to fund Abigael’s hydrocephalus treatment, which is scheduled to take place on July 3. This surgery will hopefully drain the fluid in Abigael’s brain and allow her to live much more comfortably.
“Please, I see my daughter suffer and my heart breaks that I cannot do anything for her. Please help her get well,” says Abigael’s mother.