Ni Tar is a 36-year-old man from Burma who lives with his mother and his younger sister in Mingalar Township, Yangon Division. His younger sister is the primary breadwinner for the household. She works at solar factory in Yangon. Ni Tar has been unemployed for five years. In his free time, Ni Tar likes to read the Quran, especially when the weather is cool.
Ni Tar was diagnosed with a heart condition that involves a malformation of his mitral valve, the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle. This valve controls the flow of blood, but certain conditions may cause blood to flow backward or the valve to narrow. Currently, Ni Tar exhibits similar symptoms as before. He has shortness of breath, weakness, chest pain, and a difficulty walking longer distances. He also has a chronic cough.
Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund a mitral valve replacement for Ni Tar. The treatment is scheduled to take place on March 18th and, once completed, will hopefully allow him to live more comfortably.
“I miss teaching the children at the Mosque,” said Ni Tar. “Sometimes, in the past I wanted to kill myself because I felt like I was useless. I wanted to help take care of my family, but now it is up to my younger sister. It makes me feel ashamed.”