Help Christelle Bollem Aged 3 Get Neurosurgery

For people living in Vanuatu. please see the bottom of this page for details of how to donate locally.

Christelle Bollem, aged 3 from Port Vila, Vanuatu is suffering from hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and needs some urgent neurosurgery. Unfortunately, this is a surgical specialism that is not available in Vanuatu. The only option is for Christelle to travel overseas to have the operation done privately.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder, affecting about 1 in 1000 children which is caused by an abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (cavities) deep within the brain. This excess fluid causes the ventricles to widen, putting harmful pressure on the brain's tissues. Hydrocephalus may be present at or shortly after birth or may result over time from damage or injury.

Surgery to treat hydrocephalus involves two options:

1) A shunt (tube) is surgically inserted into the brain and connected to a flexible tube placed under the skin to drain the excess fluid into either the chest cavity or the abdomen so it can be absorbed by the body.

2) Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV) improves the flow of CSF out of the brain. A tiny hole is made at the bottom of the third ventricle and the CSF is diverted there to relieve pressure. Sometimes this is done in conjunction with choroid plexus cauterization to try and decrease the production of CSF.

Surgery is an effective treatment for hydrocephalus. By draining excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain, surgery reduces pressure inside the skull, lowers the risk of central nervous system damage, and relieves the symptoms associated with hydrocephalus. Without surgery, excess buildup of CSF will keep Christelle’s brain from functioning properly and it will cause brain damage or even death.

We have identified two hospitals in the South Pacific region where Christelle could receive the surgery she needs. The total cost of the surgery will be approximately £15,500. So far in the last 3 weeks, we have raised £8,050 through a publicity campaign in Vanuatu (including a feature on the front page of the Daily Post newspaper) and a Gofundme page. We need to raise another £7,450 to get Christelle the surgery she very urgently needs.

Christelle is a very sweet, happy little girl who deserves the chance of a better and longer life. If you can help in any way, we would be very grateful.

Rachel Mahit - Mother

David Lewis - Step Grandfather

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For people in Vanuatu, please donate to:

ANZ Account: David & Leitarona Lewis; Account number: 982075 Reference: Christelle