In late 2015, Tonk was born prematurely in Thailand and immediately admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. His mother passed away a day later due to a congenital heart problem. The doctors suspected that Tonk had an accumulation of fluid surrounding his brain, and recommended surgery to insert a shunt to divert the excess fluid away from his brain. Tonk’s father could not afford the surgery, and they left the hospital.
Two weeks ago, Tonk’s father noticed that Tonk’s head size was increasing. The doctors diagnosed him with hydrocephalus and again recommended surgery, but Tonk’s father could not afford the cost. Tonk’s father constantly worries about his son and cannot concentrate on work. “If I was to pay the amount the first hospital asked for, I would have to save money for 2 years without eating,” he shares.
$1485 will fund the cost of Tonk’s surgery. Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects, explains, “This will alleviate the pressure on his brain from fluid accumulation and help Tonk develop normally.”
Tonk’s father shares, “Tonk is the only treasure left by my wife. I really want him to grow up well. I always pray for Tonk. I wish that Tonk will have normal development. I will try my best to look after him, acting like both a mother and a father. I want him to be able to study in a good school someday so he will become a successful person when he grows old. I always think about a possible way to find treatment for my son.”