A parent’s love and advocacy can change the course of a child’s life.
When Sarah was born, she appeared to be a healthy baby. But as the months passed, her mother, Aderayo, began noticing small changes that others did not.
Around six months of age, Sarah’s head began to increase in size. She was not reaching the same milestones Aderayo had seen in Sarah’s sister. By eight months, she was still unable to sit by herself, and Aderayo knew something was not right.
Many family members and friends tried to reassure her that Sarah was simply developing at her own pace. But Aderayo could not ignore the feeling that her daughter needed support.
Working as an administrative staff member at a diagnostic center, she sought advice from her supervisor, a radiographer. After brain imaging, Sarah was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital for specialized care.
Her mother’s advocacy revealed something more serious.
At the hospital, Aderayo learned that Sarah had hydrocephalus. She also learned about the treatment options available, She also learned about the treatment options available, including shunt surgery and the Warf Procedure. Known clinically as ETV/CPC, the Warf Procedure offers many children with hydrocephalus the possibility of being treated without a lifelong shunt.
Sarah’s doctors recommended the Warf Procedure, in part because avoiding lifelong shunt dependence could reduce the risk of future complications and surgeries, an important consideration given the family’s distance from specialized care.
In May 2025, at just eight months old, Sarah underwent a successful procedure performed by a NeuroKids-trained neurosurgeon at Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
One year later, Sarah is thriving. Now 20 months old, she is taking steps on her own and catching up with children her age.
For Aderayo, her daughter’s progress is a reminder that trusting her instincts made all the difference.
“I am so happy I trusted my gut feeling that all was not well when I noticed the delay in achieving milestones, though she was looking healthy,” she says.
Sarah’s story is a reminder of why early diagnosis and timely treatment matter. Hydrocephalus can progress even when a child appears healthy on the outside. Recognizing developmental delays and seeking medical care as early as possible can create opportunities for treatment that change the trajectory of a child’s life.
At NeuroKids, we believe every child with hydrocephalus or spina bifida deserves that opportunity.
By training local neurosurgeons in the Warf Procedure and partnering with hospitals to strengthen pediatric neurosurgical care, NeuroKids is helping more children receive life-changing treatment closer to home. This approach not only expands access to specialized care but also strengthens local health systems so families can find hope within their own communities.
Sarah’s journey is ultimately a story about more than surgery. It is about a mother’s courage to trust her instincts, a family’s determination to seek answers, and the life-changing impact of timely care.
Today, Sarah is thriving because of her mother’s fierce advocacy and the results of innovative pediatric treatment.
You can be a part of this story. Your support of NeuroKids equips local neurosurgical teams and expands access to life-changing care for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. Together, we can help more children live longer and better lives.
