Two-week-old Peter is the first born son to his parents who live in a single-rental house in Kenya. His mother is a housewife and his father is a public transport driver.
Peter was diagnosed with a condition called hyrdocephalus. This blockage of the pathways of cerebrospinal fluid causes water accumulation within the brain, resulting in increased pressure in the head. Although the term was new to Peter’s parents, on the news they had seen other children who have large heads– the primary symptom of hydrocephalus. They never thought that this would happen to their first and only child.
Peter needs surgery in order to prevent the pressure in his head from continuing to build up and causing his head to grow. Unfortunately, despite attempts to raise enough money for the operation, the costs of treatment are more than Peter’s family’s income can support. The little income they have is just sufficient to cater for the few basic needs of the family.
Furthermore, conditions like Peter’s are often associated with witchcraft in the culture of their village. His parents are worried that if he does not receive treatment, they will be ostracized and alienated within their community.
Let’s help Peter’s parents raise $615 to cover the costs of his surgery where doctors will use a shunt to divert the excess fluid in his head to his abdomen. There the fluids can be easily reabsorbed, which will relieve the pressure in Peter’s brain and prevent future swelling.
“Sacrifice is giving up something good for something better. That is something I have learnt from Watsi,” Peter’s mother shares. “I am comforted to know that all will be well and we are in the right place for this to happen.”