Renier is a two-week-old baby from Kenya. His father works as a teacher, earning just enough to cover the family’s basic needs, while his mother is a homemaker.
When Renier’s mother was pregnant with him, a scan in the third trimester diagnosed Renier with both hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure, while spina bifida is a neural tube defect where the spine and spinal canal do not close completely. When she received the news, Catherine was very worried and her mind spiraled with questions—What will my baby be like? Will he be okay? How will we cope? She questioned God often, and at one point felt herself slowly slipping into depression as the weight of uncertainty grew heavier each day.
Upon delivery, Renier was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH), where he is scheduled for ETV surgery. Reiner’s mother shared that the condition has not affected Renier that much yet, but she worries deeply about what might happen if left untreated, including severe physical and developmental delays.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $719 to cover the cost of surgery for Renier. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 9th to drain the excess fluid from Renier’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve his quality of life. With proper treatment, Renier will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young boy.
Reiner’s mother shared: “As a mother, all I want is for my baby to have a chance at a healthy life. Even though he seems okay now, I live with the fear of what could happen if we don’t get him the treatment he needs. It breaks my heart knowing we want to help him, but we just can’t afford it.”

