Mirishoi is a five-month-old baby from Kenya. Soon after she was born, doctors advised that she be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for observation. They explained that Mirishoi was born with two conditions; hydrocephalus, a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain and increases intracranial pressure, and spina bifida, a congenital neural tube defect where the spine and spinal cord do not form properly, leaving a gap in the backbone. The opening on Mishiroi’s back was so large that it was at a higher risk of infection.
Her parents were worried and anxious. The thought of their daughter having a lifelong condition that required constant supervision made them question whether they could provide for her special needs and treatments. Even so, they were determined to be supportive towards her needs.
Two weeks later, Mishiroi was discharged from the hospital, and the family was referred to our medical partner’s care center, BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) for review and treatment.
Mishiroi underwent both a spina bifida repair surgery and shunt insertion procedure for hydrocephalus. The burden of medical costs left the family in debt as they struggled to clear their daughter’s medical bills. With both parents unemployed, raising the required funds became overwhelming, as they had to borrow money from friends and family. Thankfully, Mirishoi’s recovery was smooth, and they were discharged soon after. They returned home with the hope that their daughter’s life would get back on track, allowing her to grow and enjoy her childhood.
At a follow up clinic two weeks later, Mirishoi was found to have developed an infection. She was started on medication and later underwent a shunt revision surgery. The additional medical bills placed a heavy burden on her family, prompting Mishiroi’s father to sell their goats, but the money he raised was still not enough. The hospital management decided to waive some of the costs.
A month after discharge, her mother noticed that the shunt had become exposed on Mishiroi’s abdomen. An infection was found to have caused the exposed shunt and Mishiroi underwent an EVD procedure under Watsi’s support. Mirishoi has since recovered from the infection and is awaiting another shunt insertion surgery, but her parents are unable to afford the cost of her upcoming treatment. Despite these challenges, they hope for support that will give their daughter a chance at a healthier future. Without treatment, Mirishoi will experience severe physical and developmental delays.
Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $574 to cover the cost of surgery for Mirishoi that will treat her hydrocephalus. The procedure is scheduled to take place on July 9th, and will drain the excess fluid from Mirishoi’s brain. This will reduce intracranial pressure and greatly improve her quality of life. With proper treatment, Mirishoi will hopefully develop into a strong, healthy young girl.
Mishiroi’s mother says: “My child has been in and out of surgery so many times. I feel like I am failing as mother. I really hope that this surgery will be the last in a very long while, if not forever.”