Meet Beatrice, a four-month old girl living in Tanzania. Our medical partner, American Mission Healthcare Foundation (AMHF), tells us, “Beatrice is not feeding very well and she often cries.”
This is due to hydrocephalus, a congenital condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain. This causes an increase in intracranial pressure, putting Beatrice at a high risk of developmental delays and impaired vision.
Beatrice’s parents, who plan to marry, are not able to afford the procedure that Beatrice needs. AMHF tells us, “Beatrice’s father relies on his parents and spends his time helping out in the farms so he can earn a little bit of money.”
Beatrice’s mother was previously a full-time secretarial student, eager to finish her studies and start working. She has since had to discontinue her courses and move in with her parents in order to care for Beatrice who needs her full attention.
For $775, Beatrice will receive a hydrocephalus shunt placement in order to drain the fluid in her brain and reduce the intracranial pressure. AMHF tells us that with treatment, “The size of Beatrice’s head will not continue to increase and she will not lose her vision.”
Beatrice’s mother shares, “I hope my baby will get well, continue with normal growth and later on go to school.” Let’s help make this happen for Beatrice and her family!