Francis is a 3-month-old from Kenya who needs to undergo surgery to treat hydrocephalus. His father left following his birth, and his mother is working hard on her own to provide for herself and her two children through her job as a caterer for a high school.
Francis was diagnosed at birth with a large frontal encephalocele, a neural tube defect, and was referred to BethanyKids, our medical partner’s hospital. Upon arrival, the medical team assessed Francis and immediately scheduled him for plastic surgery to address the encephalocele. Francis recovered well following the surgery. However, follow-up scans revealed a buildup of fluid in his brain that was unable to drain naturally, leading to a diagnosis of hydrocephalus. He subsequently underwent a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) insertion. Unfortunately, the shunt malfunctioned just a few days later. Francis is now scheduled for another VP shunt insertion, but his mother is unable to afford the surgery. She shared her disbelief and heartbreak that her son has had to go through these challenges at such an early age. Despite the hardships, the doctors have assured her that they will do everything possible to ensure the best outcome for Francis.
Francis has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. As a result of his condition, Francis has been experiencing an increasing head circumference. Without treatment, Francis will experience severe physical and developmental delays.
On January 7th, he will undergo surgery to drain the excess fluid from his brain to reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Francis will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery to treat the hydrocephalus.
Francis’s mother said, “I am doing everything I can as a mother, but this surgery is beyond my means. My only prayer is that God touches a kind heart to help my child survive.”

