When Mercy first held her newborn son, Favour, she dreamed of a future filled with laughter, first steps, and milestones. That dream was shaken when doctors told her that Favour had spina bifida, a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form properly. The diagnosis was overwhelming, but Mercy’s love for her son gave her the courage to face the unknown.
Spina bifida can affect a child’s mobility, bladder, and bowel function, and many children need surgery soon after birth. It is also closely tied to hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of fluid in the brain that can cause brain damage if untreated. Seven out of ten children born with spina bifida will also develop hydrocephalus, making early access to skilled care a matter of life and hope.
At just five days old, Mercy carried her tiny son to Kijabe Hospital for urgent treatment. His first surgery closed the opening in his spine. Soon after, he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and underwent another procedure. In only four months, Favour had already endured five surgeries, each one a step toward giving him the chance to grow and thrive.
Abandoned by her husband, Mercy began battling depression and faced the heavy responsibility of raising her son alone. She found strength in Favour’s resilience and in the compassionate care of Dr. Will Copeland, a dedicated neurosurgeon and NeuroKids mentor at Kijabe Hospital. Through our training and mentorship programs, NeuroKids equips doctors like Dr. Copeland with the tools and skills to provide life-saving care for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Mercy saw this dedication firsthand. “Dr. Copeland has fought hard for my son’s life and never gave up on him. Give him his flowers,” she shared with gratitude.
Today, Mercy and Favour are rebuilding their lives. Through the support of a local rescue home, Mercy is learning new skills and receiving psychosocial support, while Favour continues his care. Their journey is not easy, but it is a powerful reminder of the courage of mothers, the hope every child deserves, and the impact of skilled surgeons who are part of the NeuroKids network.
At NeuroKids, we help children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida live longer and better lives through comprehensive training, innovative treatments, and dedicated mentorship and support. This Spina Bifida Awareness Month, we honor families like Mercy and Favour’s and the countless others around the world navigating these challenges. Their stories remind us why awareness matters and why our mission is so vital.
Join us in standing with children like Favour. Your gift today helps ensure that more families have access to the skilled care and long-term support they need to thrive. Donate today!
