Pneumonia Delays Baby Ishmael’s Shunt Surgery; Fundraising Continues

Baby Ishmael Villamil was born prematurely on September 11, 2024, at just 28 weeks. Now six months old, he continues to fight for his life against the complications of his early birth, including underdeveloped lungs and hydrocephalus—a condition where fluid builds up in the brain, leading to pressure and potential brain damage.

Since his birth, baby Ishmael has been through multiple doctor visits and a major medical procedure to place a shunt that would drain the fluid building in his brain. It’s been weeks since that procedure, and baby Ishmael’s mom, Jennifer Larios, told News 5 in February that the shunt “isn’t working anymore,” and he needs another surgery to correct it. “If he doesn’t want to give up, why should we—why should I as a mom give up on him?” Jennifer said.

The cost of the surgery is estimated to be at least $12,000, a sum his parents are still aiming to raise.

In the recent weeks, baby Ishmael’s condition took a turn when he was diagnosed with pneumonia. According to his father, Eusebio Villamil, the doctors have advised waiting until his lungs clear up before proceeding with the surgery, as performing it while his lungs are still infected could lead to even greater risks.

In the meantime, the medical expenses have continued to mount. With regular doctor visits, transportation costs, and additional tests like x-rays and more, the young parents are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the financial demands. “Just as how we get the funds, sometimes we have to use it for his medical expenses,” Villamil said.

Your support can make a real difference in helping Jennifer and Eusebio cover the cost of baby Ishmael’s second surgery. If you would like to contribute to baby Ishmael’s surgery fund, donations can be made directly to the following bank accounts:

Belize Bank
Eusebio Alberto Villamil, Account Number: 255 502 010 160000
Jennifer Lizeth Larios, Account Number: 246 491 010 160000

Baby Ishmael’s mom, Jennifer, can be reached at 630-4946.