Adriel is a quiet, five-week-old baby girl from Tanzania. She is the only child to her young parents, both university students.
At two weeks old, she began vomiting each time she breastfed. And while she weighed 7.7 lbs at birth, she is currently losing weight at a rapid pace. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, diagnosed her with hypertrophied pyloric stenosis, a condition in which the opening between the stomach and small intestine thickens.
Adriel will need to undergo mass excision, a surgical procedure that will allow her feed without vomiting. Surgery will cost $920, and afterwards she is anticipated to return to normal growth. Adriel’s father earns a small living doing printing work for the local university, and her mother has moved back home to save money. Together they do not earn enough to cover the cost of the operation that Adriel needs.
Adriel’s family hopes to see her in good health. “I love my baby and I pray that she will get well. I long to see her grow up, go to school and become successful young lady,” shares Adriel’s mother.