“I just hope my baby will get well,” says Faisal’s mother, who recently had to close down her cafe business to care full-time for her son. Faisal’s father is an independent contractor, and the couple is incredibly concerned for their son’s health.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tell us that Faisal was born with a variation of spina bifida known as myelomeningocele (MMC). With MMC, the back bone and spinal canal do not fully close, causing the spinal nerves to protrude and form a bulge at the back.
Faisal has also developed hydrocephalus, an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the head. In his current state, he “is at risk of contracting infection and losing his eyesight.”
“Their first child did not survive because it was a stillbirth,” AMHF continues, “so they hope Faisal will get the right treatment and live. They haven’t been able to receive comprehensive care for their son as his condition worsens.
AMHF can help Faisal with surgical repair of his spinal cord and brain. During surgery, his back bone will be fixed. Additionally, the fluid in his brain will be drained, and his skull repaired.
This procedure will costs $1,200, which includes surgical and medical fees, ten days to recover in the hospital, two weeks in a rehabilitation center, and five sessions of physical therapy. AMHF adds that “the treatment will save Faisal’s sight, and he will no longer lose CSF through the lesion on his back.”