Innocent is a 10-month-old baby boy from Tanzania. He is the youngest in a family of two children. Both of his parents are small-scale farmers who depend on the vegetables they harvest for their food, and also sell some crops at the market to make a living. Innocent was born a healthy and cheerful baby, and his growth has been normal until last November. Now, his mother says he has became very irritable and cries a lot.
Innocent has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Innocent has been experiencing a growing head circumference, and he cannot support the weight of his head. Without treatment, Innocent will experience severe physical and developmental delays and disability.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $765 to cover the cost of surgery to treat Innocent’s hydrocephalus condition. The procedure is scheduled to take place on January 20th and will drain the excess fluid from Innocent’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Innocent will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy.
Innocent’s mother shared, “Please save my baby. His condition worsens as days go by, and we are really worried.”