Tricia is a three-month-old baby girl from Kenya who lives with her single father. When she was in 6th grade, Tricia’s mother had to drop out of school because her parents could not afford her school fees. Her younger siblings also faced the same fate, which forced Tricia’s mother to be responsible at a young age. Back at their ancestral home, she is the breadwinner. She has a small kiosk where she makes and sells tea and mandazi. Now that she has not been working for some time, the family is struggling to make ends meet.
More than one month ago, Tricia started to have fevers. She was not feeding well, and whenever she did, she vomited. After a few days, her mother noticed that her head was also increasing in size.
Tricia has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of her condition, Tricia has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Tricia will experience severe physical and developmental delays. Tricia’s mother had faced many challenges getting treatment for her daughter.
Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, can help. Tricia will undergo a shunt insertion surgery on October 7th. This procedure will drain the excess fluid from Tricia’s brain and reduce intracranial pressure. With proper treatment and care, Tricia will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl. Tricia needs your help to raise $719 for this procedure.
Tricia’s mother says, “My family is really looking forward to Tricia’s treatment because when she gets well, I will go back and help provide for them.”
