Susan is a six-year-old girl from Kenya. From an early age, Susan experienced delayed developmental milestones. She was only able to sit at eight months and did not begin walking until she was two years old. As she grew, her parents noticed that she had difficulty speaking and pronouncing words. They hoped that, with time, she would improve, but the challenges persisted.
Her parents enrolled her in school, believing that interacting with other children would help her learn to communicate better. Unfortunately, Susan continued to struggle both academically and socially. While her peers progressed to the next grade, she had to repeat a class because she was unable to keep up with communication and learning activities.
Seeking help, her family first took her to a nearby hospital, and later, through a friend’s recommendation, she was referred to our medical partner’s care center, AIC Kijabe Hospital. After undergoing audiology assessments, Susan was diagnosed with severe hearing loss. The major reason she cannot speak clearly is that she is unable to hear properly.
When her parents learned the cost of hearing aids, they were worried. Susan’s father depends on casual construction and farming jobs to provide for his wife and their three children, while her mother works as a waitress at a local food joint. Despite working tirelessly, the family cannot afford the support Susan urgently needs.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is helping Susan receive treatment. On 21st May, she will be fitted with hearing aids that will improve her hearing. With consistent speech therapy, her communication skills will also improve, so she catch up with her peers. Now, Susan’s parents are seeking support to raise $1,171, to aid in treatment for their daughter’s hearing, help her find her voice, and continue her education with confidence alongside other children her age.
Susan’s mother says, “Susan is a very active and bright child, but because she cannot hear properly, she struggles to keep up with other children her age. Being able to hear would help her speak more clearly, interact confidently, and progress well in her education.”