Mercy L., 1

Lilaoba's story is one of love and hope. This 4-month-old little one is already stealing hearts with her tiny smile and infectious cooing. As the 2nd child, she's surrounded by a family that adores her - her parents and sister love her to bits. Her dad, a dedicated clergy man, is pouring his heart into his new ministry, while her mom, with her tailoring skills, dreams of starting her own business someday. Despite the financial struggles, Lilaoba's family is holding on to hope. They know she's a fighter, and they believe she'll get the help she needs to live a normal, happy life. The way her family talks about her, you'd think she's a little miracle. And it's not just her family - everyone who meets Lilaoba can't help but fall in love with her. Lilaoba's early days were filled with joy and excitement for her family. She was a beautiful baby, and everything seemed normal at birth. She passed meconium, and the family was thrilled to welcome her home. But 8 days later, her grandmother noticed something wasn't quite right while bathing her. Lilaoba didn't have an anal opening, and every time she passed stool, it was through her vagina. Panic set in, and the family rushed her to the hospital where she was born. Unfortunately, the hospital couldn't handle the case and referred them to Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital. But no pediatric surgeon was available to treat Lilaoba. The family was referred again, this time to 44 Army Hospital in Kaduna, where a bill was given for the necessary procedure. The cost was much, and the family knew they couldn't afford it. Just when things seemed hopeless, a hospital staff member suggested reaching out to Helpster Charity, which led them to Epsilon Specialist Hospital. There, Lilaoba underwent investigations, and the diagnosis of Imperforate Anus with Recto-vaginal Fistula was confirmed: she needed surgery to correct the anomaly.

Mercy Lilaoba is a 9 month old baby girl who was managed as a case of anorectal malformation, she was given birth to with absent anus and passing feaces through the vaginal, she had multiple investigations done like fistulogram, Full blood count, Urea electrolyte and creatinine, she was prepared for surgery (posterior sagital anorecto plasty), which she successfully had and well tolerated. She spent about 11 days at the hospital where she had IV medications (antibiotics, analagesics and IV fluids). She was having frequent anal irrigation with povidone in saline solution to prevent wound breakdown. She was subsequently discharge and has since been coming for anal dilatation to prevent stricture. She's currently passing stool per rectum with no challenges. Thanks to Helpster Charity Foundation, the child's life has been saved and quality of life improved.

Given Lilaoba's condition - an imperforate anus with a rectovaginal fistula - there's an urgent need for surgical intervention. This condition poses significant risks, including recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), potential obstruction, and emotional distress for both Lilaoba and her family. However, with surgery, the prognosis is excellent. Lilaoba can recover fully and grow like any other child, free from these complications. The surgical team is optimistic about correcting the anomaly, after which she'll require careful follow-up and management to ensure optimal outcomes. In short, surgery is the key to giving Lilaoba a normal, healthy life.