Meet Keila. She’s a sweet, friendly, and lively three-year-old. 


Keila has suffered from health problems since birth. During her last visit to the hospital, a doctor noticed a heart murmur. She was immediately referred to the Uganda Heart Institute. They found a hole between the two top chambers of her heart and diagnosed Keila with an atrial septal defect (ASD). Her ASD will cause congestive heart failure. Fortunately, surgery to close the hole is incredibly effective. Without it, Keila’s heart function will be compromised and lead to death. Her surgery has been scheduled for May 2nd, 2017. It costs $5,006.

Keila’s family lives in a two room house in Butabika, a slum of Kampala, Uganda. Her father is a driver, delivering beverages to shops. Her mother no longer works, allowing her to care for Keila and Keila’s brother. Even with a full time job, Keila’s father makes less than $100 a month. Luckily, the father’s insurance will pay for $1,556 of the surgery’s cost -- but the family is still $3,450 short. All of their savings have been used to pay for Keila’s prior hospital visits. Keila's life should not be determined by her parents’ income.


The proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” holds true in Butabika.  Keila’s parents have no way to pay for the surgery that will keep her alive.  Please, join the village and help save Keila’s life.