Meet Prince, a three-month-old baby boy from Kenya. Prince is a previous Watsi patient who underwent surgery in February 2016 to treat spina bifida, a defect in which the spine does not develop properly. “He is recovering well but has since been diagnosed with hydrocephalus,” says our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF).
Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain that results in increased intra-cranial pressure and may result in brain damage and even death. “Prince’s head has been progressively increasing in size,” shares AMHF, “and at times he has projectile vomiting after meals.” The vomiting puts him at risk of dehydration.
“Prince’s parents’ financial situation has not yet changed and they still require Watsi support if Prince is to recover fully,” says AMHF. Fortunately, we can help them fund the $615 shunt insertion surgery that will reduce the pressure exerted on Prince’s brain. During the procedure, doctors will insert a catheter to drain excess fluid from the brain for absorption in another area of the body. After successful surgery, Prince will no longer risk long-term brain damage.
“First let me appreciate the help you accorded us towards the first surgical care my son had,” says Prince’s mother. “I hope Prince gets treated, goes to school, and grows to be an independent man in the future.”