Saw Eh is a cheerful, six-year-old from Burma who lives with his parents, his brother, and his sister. He loves having his friends over to his house to play.
“He wishes he could attend school like other children his age,” says our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). However, Saw Eh has kidney stones, and he is in too much pain and discomfort to begin school.
“Saw Eh’s parents first became aware of his condition in late 2014 when he developed a fever and began to excrete cloudy urine,” BBP explains. After a visit to a hospital, he was given an ultrasound that revealed stones in both of his kidneys. Saw Eh’s condition causes him to suffer from fevers and pain in his lower left side.
“His parents are both farmers, growing rice and vegetables,” says BBP. “All of the rice produced is kept for their family’s consumption, but they sell the few vegetables grown on their farm. They earn approximately 2 USD per day, however this varies based on the success of their crops. Saw Eh’s condition has put significant financial strain on the family; treatment and transportation costs have forced Saw Eh’s parents to take loans with interest from money lenders, and they are currently deep in debt.”
For $1500, Saw Eh will receive surgery to remove the kidney stones. This cost also includes transportation from his home to the hospital, eight days of hospitalization for the surgery, and food and accommodation for 30 days.
“Surgery will allow Saw Eh to live without pain and will stop his fevers,” says BBP. “He will be able to attend school for the first time and begin his education. Right now, Saw Eh’s parents are doing their best to balance the responsibilities of working on the farm and caring for their child; after treatment they will be able to earn more money and provide a better life for their family.”