Five years ago, NeuroKids began with one simple belief: to transform the lives of children affected by hydrocephalus and spina bifida—regardless of where they’re born. What started as a small but determined initiative has grown into a global movement, saving lives, training doctors, and building support systems for families navigating some of the most challenging medical journeys.
As we celebrate our 5-year anniversary this summer, we are filled with deep gratitude—for the children who inspire us, the families who trust us, the surgeons we train, and the communities that open their arms to our work.
Five Years. Thousands of Lives. A Growing Global Impact.
In just five years, NeuroKids has:
- Reached 14 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East
- Provided 2,594 life-saving surgeries to children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida
- Delivered over 370 hours of hands-on training to local surgeons, empowering sustainable care
But these numbers only scratch the surface of what’s been made possible—because behind every number is a name, a story, a heartbeat.
Hope in the Hardest Moments
In Mombasa, Kenya, a mother named Irene gave birth to her daughter, Himary, under painful, uncertain circumstances. “I frequently felt pain around my ribs,” Irene recalled, “and when I gave birth, the nurses started explaining that my baby had a serious condition.”
That condition was spina bifida, a neural tube defect that can severely impact mobility and bodily functions. Irene immediately noticed the bulge on her daughter’s back—a painful visual confirmation of what the nurses were saying. Her world shifted.
After an initial surgery, Himary developed signs of hydrocephalus—an all-too-common complication in spina bifida cases. Her head began to swell, and she could no longer hold it up. She was referred to Coast General Hospital, where she received life-saving surgery from Dr. Ben Okanga—a surgeon trained by NeuroKids Mentor Dr. Peter Ssenyonga in 2023.
That surgery changed everything.
Today, Himary is not only alive—she’s thriving. With the help of a two-wheel walker, she moves through her world with determination. She talks, she laughs, and she radiates the kind of light that once felt impossible. For Irene, what began as a journey of fear and heartbreak has become one of resilience, strength, and deep connection.
“Now I continue this journey knowing I am not alone,” Irene says. “I have people beside me who will help me psychologically and socially. The people in my village thought my baby wouldn’t grow up—but now they see her walking and talking. She’s a very smart girl.”
Himary’s story is not an exception—it’s a reflection of what’s possible when compassion meets action, and when local healthcare systems are equipped to respond. It’s a reminder that with the right support, even the most uncertain beginnings can unfold into stories of hope.
And that is what five years of NeuroKids has been about—not just performing surgeries, but changing what’s possible for children, families, and communities. Together, we’ve rewritten thousands of stories like Himary’s.
And we’re just getting started.
Empowering Parents to Choose Hope
Across the globe in Myanmar, another mother, Daw Zin, faced her own terrifying choice. Her infant son, Paing, was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. The doctors gave her a difficult statistic: only a 50% chance of survival with surgery.
“I was filled with worry and fear,” she recalled. “But I realized it would be more painful to watch him suffer and do nothing.”
She chose hope.
Thanks to the training provided by NeuroKids to local surgical teams, Paing underwent surgery at just over two months old. In the following months, his head size reduced, his features became visible, and he began to crawl, smile, and even talk.
“Now our whole family feels relief and joy,” Daw Zin shared. “There is so much hope. The doctors guided us through what we didn’t know, and now we see a future full of possibilities.”
Training Doctors. Changing Systems. Strengthening Communities.
At the heart of NeuroKids’ model is sustainability. We don’t fly in for one-off missions—we train local surgeons to provide care long after we leave. We partner with public hospitals. We equip communities with knowledge and tools. We connect families who feel isolated in their struggles so they can walk their journeys together.
“When I met the NeuroKids and House of Hope teams, they gave me hope,” Irene says. “I was not alone. They introduced me to other mothers with children who have the same condition. I felt whole again.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Possibility
We look back on the past five years with awe and gratitude. But the road ahead is just as important.
Because somewhere in Myanmar, a mother is making a decision that could change her child’s life. Somewhere in Kenya, a girl named Himary is learning to walk, talk, and thrive. And somewhere out there, another family is waiting for the hope you help us deliver.
Thank you for believing in us—and in them.
Here’s to five years of courage, connection, and transformation.
Here’s to what comes next.
Introducing Our 5-Year Anniversary Logo
To mark this milestone, we’re proud to unveil our 5-Year Anniversary logo—a symbol of resilience, healing, and growth. It represents every child who’s survived, every surgeon who’s stepped into leadership, and every family that’s found light after darkness.
Join the Celebration
Here’s how to be part of this special moment in our history:
- Share your story or words of support using #NeuroKids5Years
- Follow us on social media for anniversary content, impact stories, and more at @NeuroKids50 on BlueSky, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X
- Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on our mission
- Donate or fundraise to support our next chapter
