Natasha is a cheerful four-year-old girl and is the first-born child of two young parents living in Tanzania. Natasha loves playing with dolls and other children, and is looked after by her mother while her father attends college and attempts to find a part-time job to pay for his family’s expenses. Natasha’s grandparents play a large role in her life, and she stays with them often. Natasha’s mother has dropped out of college to care for her, and both of her parents rely on her grandparents for their school fees and most life expenses.
Natasha experiences tremendous pain and vomiting as she deals with an umbilical hernia that causes intermittent intestinal obstruction. As her parents explain, “She cries a lot when she is in pain, but otherwise she is a happy baby. Our wish is for her to be healthy and start going to school when possible.” If the condition persists, Natasha may develop complete intestinal obstruction and an electrolyte imbalance.
Without treatment, Natasha’s condition could be life threatening, so she is in critical need of an umbilical hernia closure. Such a treatment costs $350 and will relieve Natasha of pain, vomiting and intestinal obstruction, and will prevent future complications. Natasha’s family has big dreams for Natasha and with your help Natasha will have the opportunity to grow up happy and healthy!