FAMILY APPEALS FOR HELP TO SAVE BABY WITH RARE BRAIN CONDITION

Picture Caption: Baby Finola Himson and her mother currently seeking medical assistance for her brain surgery

By Martha LOUIS

A young mother from the Ramu River area is pleading for urgent medical support for her baby girl, Finola Himson, who has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, causing the head to swell and leading to serious health risks.

Finola is currently admitted at Modilon General Hospital in Madang. Her condition is deteriorating, but doctors say she needs a CT scan and specialist surgery, which can only be done at Kundiawa General Hospital. Unfortunately, Modilon Hospital does not have the necessary scanning equipment, and the referral process will cost the family around K5,000.

Finola’s grandmother, Queeneth Krumba said they donot have that kind of money. She has come to town to sell sago bags at the market, hoping to raise something.

The journey to seek medical care was long and difficult. The family travelled by outboard motor from their remote village, through rain and rough conditions, to reach the hospital in Madang.

Finola’s condition worsens by the day. Her mother says the baby often cries from pain, and her head continues to grow.

The mother says all they want is for her to get the treatment she needs and not having to lose her.

In the meantime, the family is appealing to anyone who can help support them in raising the funds needed for Finola’s operation.