Meet Elvis, a 2-month-old baby boy from Kenya. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Elvis lives with his parents and three siblings in a grass-thatched mud-walled house.” Since birth, Elvis has faced health challenges due to congenital hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the brain. This fluid causes an increase in intracranial pressure, which can contribute to long-term health complications and interfere with important stages of childhood development.
According to AMHF, without surgical intervention, Elvis’ condition “may cause permanent brain damage, which could cause convulsions and visual impairment.”
Elvis’ mother used to sell vegetables to earn an income, but now stays at home to take care of Elvis. His father “does any manual job that comes along on a casual basis” in hopes of being able to support the family. Despite their efforts, AMHF shares, “Most of the family income is spent taking care of Elvis, but it is not sufficient to cater for Elvis’ surgical care.”
With $980, Elvis will undergo surgery to drain the excess CSF from his brain, reducing the intracranial pressure in his head. As part of his treatment, Elvis will receive five days of hospital care in addition to all of the necessary medical examinations—including ultrasounds and CT scans—to facilitate a successful operation and recovery.
AMHF shares, “Elvis’ surgery will help reduce the excessive pressure in the brain and prevent visual impairment.” After surgery, Elvis will be able to resume normal childhood growth and development, paving the way for a healthier future.
“I came here with faith because although I have no funds, I could no longer stand to see Elvis suffer. I am hoping that we will get help and he can be treated,” Elvis’ mother expresses.
