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Success! Jayden from Kenya raised $1,151 to fund spina bifida closure surgery.

Jayden
100%
  • $1,151 raised, $0 to go
$1,151
raised
$0
to go
Fully funded
Jayden's treatment was fully funded on December 28, 2022.

Photo of Jayden post-operation

March 12, 2023

Jayden underwent spina bifida closure surgery so he can grow up active and healthy.

Jayden’s surgery was done successfully with no complications arising during and after the surgery. He has been discharged to home care that his mother is trained on, to assist his full recovery. He is expected to continue growing and developing into a healthy boy.

Jayden’s mother says, “Before Jayde was treated, I used to feel bad because of his condition. After the surgery and talking to the doctors about it, I feel better and very much relieved.”

Jayden’s surgery was done successfully with no complications arising during and after the surgery. He has been discharged to home care that ...

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December 9, 2022

Jayden is an adorable 1-month-old baby from Kenya. He has two older siblings. His mother works as a hairdresser but currently stays home caring for Jayden, while his father works as a casual laborer at construction sites. The family shared that they do not have the insurance coverage to cover Jayden’s surgery needs and request assistance.

Jayden was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect in which the spine does not properly close around the spinal cord. Without treatment, Jayden is at risk of lower-limb paralysis, exposed nervous tissue infection, tethered cord syndrome development, and possible developmental delays.

Jayden will undergo spina bifida closure surgery on December 13th. This procedure will help Jayden grow up healthy and without any risks associated with this condition. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,151 to cover the cost of Jayden’s spina bifida closure surgery.

Jayden’s mother says: “We have never seen such a condition in our family, and it is very hard to explain to people. We are hopeful that he will be treated soon.”

Jayden is an adorable 1-month-old baby from Kenya. He has two older siblings. His mother works as a hairdresser but currently stays home car...

Read more

Jayden's Timeline

  • December 9, 2022
    PROFILE SUBMITTED

    Jayden was submitted by Ruth Kanyeria, SAFE Program Coordinator at African Mission Healthcare.

  • December 9, 2022
    PROFILE PUBLISHED

    Jayden's profile was published to start raising funds.

  • December 28, 2022
    FULLY FUNDED

    Jayden's treatment was fully funded.

  • January 25, 2023
    TREATMENT OCCURRED

    Jayden received treatment at BethanyKids Kijabe Hospital (BKKH) in Kenya. Medical partners often provide care to patients accepted by Watsi before those patients are fully funded, operating under the guarantee that the cost of care will be paid for by donors.

  • March 12, 2023
    TREATMENT UPDATE

    Jayden's treatment was successful. Read the update.

Funded by 17 donors

Funded by 17 donors

Treatment
Spina Bifida Closure
  • Cost Breakdown
  • Diagnosis
  • Procedure
On average, it costs $1,151 for Jayden's treatment
Hospital Fees
$889
Medical Staff
$0
Medication
$82
Supplies
$0
Labs
$126
Other
$54
  • Symptoms
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Cultural or regional significance

​What kinds of symptoms do patients experience before receiving treatment?

The patient has a mass or lesion on the back that leaks cerebral spinal fluid, which puts him or her at risk of infection.

​What is the impact on patients’ lives of living with these conditions?

Spina bifida can cause incontinence, bladder and kidney damage, and paralysis and numbness in the lower limbs, bladder, and sphincter. It can also lead to hydrocephalus as a result of disturbance to the fluid in the brain. Hydrocephalus can lead to cognitive dysfunction, blindness, and death.

What cultural or regional factors affect the treatment of these conditions?

Spina bifida is more common in developing countries due to improper and inadequate nutrition. Foods containing folic acid are scarce, and food is not fortified. In Kenya, however, the Ministry of Health has recently started a program to give expectant mothers folic acid for free at government facilities.

  • Process
  • Impact on patient's life
  • Risks and side-effects
  • Accessibility
  • Alternatives

What does the treatment process look like?

After surgery, the patient's hospital stay ranges from two days to three weeks. The length of stay depends on the healing rate of the wound and will be extended if the patient also undergoes a shunt insertion to treat hydrocephalus. However, shunt insertions are usually performed about one month after this surgery. The patient is continually monitored. If the wound heals and the patient is in a neurologically stable condition, the surgery is considered successful.

What is the impact of this treatment on the patient’s life?

Surgery performed within the first days of a child’s life prevents infection and saves the spine and brain from further damage. Early surgery also minimizes the risk of paralysis. Later treatment may save the child's life and prevent further damage.

What potential side effects or risks come with this treatment?

This surgery is moderately risky, and complications depend on the severity of the case.

How accessible is treatment in the area? What is the typical journey like for a patient to receive care?

There are few quality care centers in the region. Hospitals lack adequate resources and expertise to treat this condition. With about one neurosurgeon per 10,000,000 people in East Africa, initial treatment for spina bifida is often unavailable.

What are the alternatives to this treatment?

Surgery is the primary option for most types of spina bifida.

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.

Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a father of two from the Philippines. He has one son and one daughter. Both he and his wife both work as public school teachers. Their income is still insufficient for their needs, however and, in addition to supporting their children, part of their salary goes to their medication for diabetes and hypertension. In September, Ferdinand began to experience several troubling symptoms, including severe abdominal pain. He was rushed to an emergency room to be treated. The ultrasound test showed that he has gallstones. Ferdinand has been advised to undergo a cholecystectomy which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. If left untreated, his symptoms will continue to worsen and will put him at risk of further health complications in the future. After seeking treatment through our medical partner, World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), Ferdinand is scheduled to undergo a cholecystectomy on December 3rd. A portion of the cost of the procedure is being supported by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and WSFP is raising the remaining $826 to cover the cost of Ferdinand's surgery and care. "Because of my condition, I'm in constant pain which hinders me from doing my usual activities. I've tried to reach out for help to our local government but was unsuccessful," Ferdinand shared. "I am glad there are foundations like Watsi and World Surgical Foundation Philippines that exist. I'm forever grateful for the help that you've given me," he added.

55% funded

55%funded
$459raised
$367to go

Meet another patient you can support

100% of your donation funds life-changing surgery.