The second born of three children, six-year-old Francis was diagnosed with hypospadias at birth: a condition where the urethral opening is abnormally placed. He has lived with the condition, along with the pain and social stigma that it can bring. His parents work hard to provide for Francis and his two siblings. However, finances have always restricted Francis’ parents from funding the medical care he needs.
Francis’ father’s small income as a school cook, along with his wife’s income from the posho mill she operates, cannot pay the $700 for the surgery Francis requires. The family lives in a single-rental house in Eastern Kenya. Francis is in preschool, but he tends to be shy and keep to himself. His father hopes that after surgery, he may become more outgoing.
“I hope Francis gets treated and grows up to have a bright future and be lively like other children. It hurts me to see him isolate himself. I will appreciate if anyone can help fund towards his surgery,” says Francis’ father.