Today marks the exact 5-year anniversary of NeuroKids and we’re celebrating with a special announcement: All gifts made through the end of July will be doubled, thanks to a generous donor.
This month, we’re honoring the thousands of children we’ve served by raising $25,000 to reach even more families in need. And there’s no better way to understand the impact than through the story of Lin.
In conflict-affected Rakhine State, Myanmar, Lin was born a full-term, healthy baby boy and a beacon of hope for his parents, Zaw and Daw.
Despite the instability in their region, Daw remained committed to her pregnancy care. She attended every antenatal visit, received full vaccinations, and followed medical advice closely, giving Lin the strongest possible start.
But just a week after birth, Lin developed a fever and was diagnosed with meningitis. Zaw was working overseas, so Daw faced the crisis alone, heartbroken but determined as Lin began emergency treatment.
By 5 months, they noticed something troubling: Lin’s head was growing rapidly. Aware of the risks, they relocated to Yangon in search of advanced care. A month later, Lin was admitted to Yangon General Hospital, where they met Dr. Aung, a skilled neurosurgeon trained through NeuroKids in ETV (Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy).
After careful evaluation, Dr. Aung diagnosed Lin with hydrocephalus, a dangerous buildup of fluid in the brain. Just days later, he performed a successful ETV procedure, pioneered by NeuroKids co-founder and Board Chair Dr. Benjamin Warf—creating a new pathway for the fluid and relieving the pressure.
The change was almost immediate. Lin became calmer. He could hold his neck up. And for Daw, these small milestones felt like miracles.
Today, Lin is not only healthy—he’s walking, smiling, and lighting up every room he enters. His recovery has been remarkable. With consistent follow-up care and the unwavering support of his family, he’s reaching every milestone with strength and joy.
The video of Lin walking across the clinic hallway—steady, curious, and full of life—is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when training, access, and care come together.
Lin’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and the life-changing power of access to care. NeuroKids-trained neurosurgeons like Dr. Aung are transforming what’s possible for children with hydrocephalus in underserved regions.
This month, as we celebrate five years of impact, we’re raising $25,000 to reach more children like Lin. And thanks to a generous match, every donation will be doubled through the end of the month. If this story moved you, help us continue this work. Donate today
Together, we’re healing kids. Together, we’re restoring hope.
