Two-month-old Lewis was born with a head that was not proportional to his body size as a result of hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. Unfortunately, Lewis’ parents could not access immediate specialized treatment for him; however, after two months they traveled several miles to seek the best treatment.
Lewis is irritable as a result of his condition, and he is at increased risk for intracranial pressure that could lead to brain stem compression. He requires a $615 surgery to install a shunt– a drainage tube that would remove fluid from the brain and relocate it to the abdominal cavity. After the surgery and a five-day hospital stay, Lewis’ head will be relieved of excess pressure.
Even with the combined income of a hair stylist and a casual construction site laborer, Lewis’ parents are not able to raise the funds needed for his surgical care. They have, however, contributed $31 towards the procedure. The family of four lives in a single-room house in Eastern Kenya.
Lewis’ parents are seeking help so they can see their son develop like other children– a dream that will be realized if Lewis receives his surgery.
“If there is anything I could do to eliminate the condition my son has and make his life easier and free from suffering, I would,” says Lewis’ mother. “My hope is that once he gets treated, we will have nothing more to worry about.”