The family of an 11-month-old baby girl, MK Cruz, is desperately seeking a surgeon to remove a cone-shaped growth on her head. MK was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that caused excess fluid to fill the inside cavities of her brain, leading to the underdevelopment of half her skull while a large fluid-filled lump formed on the outside.
MK's father, Reynaldo Cruz, a tricycle driver from Manila, Philippines, expressed concern that the growth has started swelling uncontrollably, affecting her eyesight. They are striving to save money for the surgical procedure, but the reconstructive surgery is high-risk, and they are struggling to find a doctor willing to undertake it.
The operation entails a shunt procedure where a tube will be inserted into the brain to drain the excess fluid and redirect it elsewhere in the body. Following this, she will require another operation to repair her skull.
However, they have been informed that they need to wait for a doctor from the U.S. to perform the second procedure, as there is no one available in the Philippines.
Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by fluid buildup on the brain, exerting pressure on it, potentially causing various symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, and difficulty walking.
The condition is most common in infants and older people and requires immediate surgery to avoid permanent disabilities.
Despite the challenges, Cathleen Keith Chavoso, MK's mother, expressed gratitude for the support from neighbors and the community, who have contributed donations to help with the operation expenses.
The family remains determined to find a solution and fight for MK's well-being.
MK's case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and access to medical care to address complex medical conditions like hydrocephalus.
The hope for her family lies in finding a skilled surgeon willing to perform the necessary procedures and save their beloved daughter.
