Meet Gloria, a one-week-old baby girl from Kenya.
Gloria has a spina bifida, which is an open leaking mass on her back. This is a birth defect caused by an incomplete closing of the backbone and membranes around the spinal cord.
“Because of the leaking mass on her back, Gloria was immediately referred for specialized treatment,” shares our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF). “If not treated, Gloria is likely to develop spine complications such as kyphosis or scoliosis. She is also likely to develop infections through the open cyst on her back.”
Gloria’s mother lives with her aunt and cousins following her parents’ death earlier this year. “Gloria’s mother depends on her aunt for support,” shares AMHF. “Gloria’s grand-aunt is a small-scale farmer, while her grand-uncle is a motorcycle taxi operator.”
With $805, Gloria will receive spina bifida closure surgery. This will help reduce the risk of developing infections or spine complications.
“I have never seen a condition like this before!” shares Gloria’s mother. “I know I have to be strong but I am scared at the same time. Please help me get treatment for Gloria.”