This is Lydia, a 12-year-old girl from Kenya. She lives with her half-brother and parents, who work hard as casual laborers.
Lydia’s journey to Watsi began when she started experiencing severe, recurrent headaches and convulsions. She has not been able to go to school this semester because her symptoms worsened during the August school holidays. In addition to the headaches and convulsions, her limbs have weakened and she can no longer sit or stand without support. Lydia was admitted and later discharged from a local hospital, however her mother noticed that there was no improvement in her health. Eventually doctors diagnosed Lydia with a brain tumor and determined that she would need surgery. “If the surgery is not done,” our medical partners share, “Lydia could suffer permanent brain damage or even premature death.”
Lydia’s loving mother says, “my daughter is very intelligent, however this sickness has really affected her schooling. My prayer and hope is that she gets well soon, so that she can go back to school. We hope that we will get support for her treatment.”
$1,260 will pay for the craniotomy, a surgical procedure that will allow doctors to remove the tumor. After surgery Lydia will be able to resume school and she will no longer suffer from headaches or convulsions. Let’s help Lydia get well!
