- Request received12/01/2026
- Checked & confirmed30/01/2026
- Fundraising30/01/2026
- Treatment provided31/03/2026
- Invoice paid27/05/2026
- Case closed24/07/2026
Why is treatment sometimes done earlier than the payment?
When a case is urgent and vital, hospitals often proceed with delivering medical care right away to save a life, even before the finalisation of admission procedures. Usually, when this happens, hospitals put the bill on our credit until the funds are transferred to their accounts. That’s why the chronology can sometimes be in disorder.
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Maryam Z., 1
Report publishedNervous system
24
$880
About nervous system
Myelomeningocele is a severe form of spina bifida characterized by herniation of the spinal cord, meninges, and nerve roots through a vertebral defect. It results from failure of neural tube closure during early embryonic development. The lesion commonly appears as a sac-like protrusion over the back, often in the lumbosacral region. Neurological deficits include paralysis, sensory loss, and bowel or bladder dysfunction below the level of the lesion. Associated conditions include hydrocephalus, Arnold–Chiari II malformation, and orthopedic deformities. Management involves early surgical closure, treatment of hydrocephalus, rehabilitation, and long-term multidisciplinary care.
Thank you for saving this life!
100%
$880 raised of $880
Background
Maryam is the only child of her parents, she came to the world about six months ago and lightened up her parents with joy, it was obvious for me to see during this interview. The father is currently seeking for a job as the family are struggling so hard in getting their daily bread. The mother is a house wife. They live in a room apartment with a pit toilet. They make use of water from the well for their daily activities. They have access to electricity. Maryam a 6-month-old female infant presented with head enlargement and lower back swelling since birth, it was shunted at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH). She was shunted one month of life at AKTH but no longer afford to go back there. On presentation at our hospital, she was evaluated and examinations revealed a sunken fontanelle, VP shunting in-site functioning and back swelling at the lumber region. She was diagnosed with Myelomeningocele with Anold- Chiary malformation type II & Post VP shunting. She is booked to have myelomeningocele surgical excision and repair. The parents don't have the means to pay for the bills that is why they contacted Helpster Charity through a volunteer to be assisted by Helpster Charity.
Medical history
Maryam an 11-month-old female infant presented with head enlargement and lower back swelling since birth, it was shunted once at AICTH. On examination, sunken fontanella, VP shunting in-site functioning, back side swelling at the lumber region. She was diagnosed with Anold- Chiary malformation type II & Post VP shunting. Patient is to have myelomeningocele excision and repair. Following a successful surgery, patient was admitted in ward for post op and is responding well to treatment, child was discharged after hospital stay and asked to be coming for follow up as scheduled. The family appreciate Helpster Charity for assisting them with the bills
Prognosis
With early surgical repair, proper control of hydrocephalus (often via shunt), and multidisciplinary care, survival is good for Maryam. Cognitive development is often normal if hydrocephalus is well managed. Ongoing rehabilitation, orthopedic support, and urologic care are essential to optimize mobility, independence, and quality of life.
