Showing all patients at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital

Kyaw is a 80-year-old man who lives with his wife and his sister-in-law in Mon State, Burma. Kyaw and his wife are retired, while his sister-in-law is paralyzed. They are supported by Kyaw’s brother-in-law, who is a monk, and his niece, who owns a small food shop. In his free time, Kyaw likes to meditate while using prayer beads and he enjoys going to the temple. He also likes to listen to old Burmese songs and the news. During the first week of October, Kyaw began to experience severe pain in the sole of his right foot and now he cannot put any weight on that foot. He has to use a stick when he walks, and his wife has to support him. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Kyaw receive treatment to heal his condition and help him walk again. On October 13th, he is scheduled to undergo a procedure to drain the abscess. This procedure will cost $760, and he and his family need help raising money. His wife said, "Thank you to the donors and the organisation (BCMF) for paying for my husband’s surgery.”

Mi Mi is a hardworking 40-year-old woman from Burma who lives alone and likes to read religious books in her free time. She previously worked as a domestic worker, but she had to stop once her condition worsened. Four months ago, Mi Mi's left foot became swollen. She gradually developed a painful abscess on her left foot. She attempted to treat herself with traditional medicine, but it only worsened the abscess. Despite her desire to seek treatment at a clinic or hospital, her financial constraints prevented her from doing so. She is currently unable to walk due to the pain and pus in her foot. She also experiences pins and needles in both of her legs and has difficulty sleeping at night. Fortunately, neighbors arranged for her to be brought to our medical partner's care center, Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH). At the hospital, doctor examined her left foot and diagnosed her with cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection. Mi Mi is scheduled to undergo a procedure to drain the abscess on July 26th at MCLH. Our medical partner is requesting $760 to fund this procedure, which will cover medication, supplies, inpatient care, physical therapy, and travel to the hospital. After surgery, Mi Mi's symptoms will hopefully be alleviated, and she will be able to walk again. Mi Mi says, "When I learned a charity organization will help pay for my treatment cost, I felt very happy. I want to say thank you to all the donors and everyone else who has helped me."

U Nyan is a 62-year-old man who lives with his wife in Mon State, Burma. He used to work as a tricycle taxi driver as well as a day labourer but since he had stroke around three months ago, he stopped working. His wife also had a stroke and cannot work. They have a daughter who works across the border in Bangkok, and she sends them some money every three or four months. However, the amount that her daughter sends is not enough for U Nyan and his wife for their daily expenses and they shared that, occasionally, their neighbor also gives them food. Recently, U Nyan noticed a small lump on his left elbow, which rapidly became enlarged and painful. Currently, U Nyan is in a lot of pain and cannot sleep. After seeking treatment at various clinics and hospitals, U Nyan was finally referred to Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH) where he was diagnosed with an abscess around his left elbow joint and scheduled for surgery on May 9th. When he told the doctor that he could not afford to pay for his surgery, the doctor referred him to our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund for financial assistance accessing surgery. He has already borrowed about $350 so far to help with his diagnosis and treatment, and people in his community have pitched in to support him financially. Our medical partner is helping him raise $760 for his surgery. “After surgery I want to go home and look after my wife. I want to listen to sermons, meditate and do good deeds,” shared U Nyan.

U Tin is a 36-year-old man, living with his mother on the western coast of Burma. U Tin’s mother is retired and helps with household chores. U Tin works in a photo studio, printing photos and wedding invitations. Through this, his monthly income is just enough to pay for their basic living expenses. One year ago, U Tin started to experience pain in his lower left abdomen. Thinking that the pain would go away, U Tin relied on traditional medicine and pain medication. In February, the pain increased, but U Tin could not afford to seek treatment at a hospital. Instead, he purchased more pain medication from a pharmacy, which helped ease his discomfort somewhat. However in April, the pain became so severe that he could no longer work. He borrowed money from his friend, and went to a hospital. The doctor examined him, and diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia. When the doctor told him the surgery would cost 1,200,000 kyat (approx. $1,200 USD), U Tin told the doctor he could not afford to pay such a sum, and he returned home still feeling unwell. A few days later, U Tin told his neighbour about his problem, and she suggested that he seek treatment at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH), where care is more affordable. He followed his neighbour’s advice, and went to MCLH, where the doctor confirmed his diagnosis and the need for surgery. When U Tin explained that he could not afford to pay for the surgery, the doctor referred him to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, for assistance in accessing the treatment he needs. Currently, U Tin is experiencing severe pain, and he cannot sit or stand for any length of time. Fortunately, he is now scheduled for surgery on May 24th, and Burma Children Medical Fund is requesting $807 to cover the cost of U Tin's hernia repair treatment. U Tin said: “I would like to recover. I am worried that I will not be able to work and take care of my mother. When I recover, I will go continue to work [at the shop] and pay back the money I borrowed from my friends.”

Myat lives with his elderly mother. He stopped working two years ago after a stroke left the right side of his body weak. He is now unemployed and relies on his mother’s support. His mother is a street vendor, selling foraged vegetables and plants as well as sticky rice that she makes. The income she earns is not enough for their daily needs. They survive thanks to the generosity of their neighbors, who support them with food and allow them to live on their land in a hut rent-free. Starting three years ago, Myat has experienced pain in his lower right abdomen whenever lifting something heavy and now the pain is more regular. At the beginning of December, the pain in his lower right abdomen increased and became constant. His neighbor lent him 50,000 kyat (approx. $50 USD) and told him to seek treatment at Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH). Myat traveled to the hospital and was admitted right away. A doctor completed a physical examination, diagnosed him with an inguinal hernia, and told him that he would need surgery. When Myat told the doctor that he cannot afford to pay for it, the doctor referred him to our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) for assistance accessing treatment. “When I recover, I want to sell traditional medicine again,” Myat shared with a renewed sense of hope that he might be able to finally have surgery.

Khin is a sweet and loving grandmother from Burma who helps her family manage their household. She lives with her daughter, her two sons, her two daughters-in-law, and her beautiful granddaughter. One of her daughters-in-law will give birth in the coming days, and her other daughter helps manage the household along with Khin. Both of her sons work as day laborers. Some of Khin's favorite ways to spend her time are praying and playing with her sweet six-month-old granddaughter. This past February, Khin's small toe on her left foot was amputated at our medical partner's care center, Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH), due to a severe ulcer. In July, she developed another ulcer near where her small toe was amputated. Because of her condition, Khin is experiencing pain and swelling in her left foot. She also has little appetite and difficulty sleeping. She currently cannot put any weight on that foot, meaning she has not been able to walk. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Khin receive treatment. On July 15th, surgeons will perform a debridement, a surgery that will remove the damaged tissue from her foot, to help her walk and live free of pain. Now, Khin needs help funding this $694 procedure. Khin shares, "I want to be healthy because I am old, and I don’t want to make any problems for my family. Thank you so much to all the donors who are supporting my free treatment. I hope that my condition will heal fully after surgery. I just want to live happily with my family for the rest of my life."

Daw Moe is a 43-year-old mother from Burma who likes to listen to music in her free time. She lives with her husband and her two children. Both of her children had to stop going to school two years ago when she could no longer afford to pay for their school fees. Her husband sometimes works as a day laborer, and since unenrolling in school, her son now also works as a day laborer. Daw Moe has a cow, and they earn money by selling the cow’s milk. She would also help support her family by managing all of the household chores, but she has been unable to do much for the past five months due to her condition. Since then, her son and daughter have stepped up to help. Daw Moe has dealt with pain on the sole of her right foot since the end of January. The pain was initially caused by a blister, but even after seeking medical care at a hospital and treating the wound, the pain returned. She went back to the hospital about two months ago due to severe pain, and the doctor diagnosed her with a chronic ulcer. They gave her medications and cleaned the ulcer, but this did not heal her condition. The doctor told her that in order to properly heal, she would need to undergo a debridement, which is a procedure to remove any damaged or dead tissue. When she told the doctor that she could not pay for the surgery, the doctor referred her to our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), for assistance accessing further treatment. Currently, Daw Moe’s right foot is in pain and swollen. She cannot walk and needs help using the restroom. To get around, she uses a wheelchair because she does not feel comfortable putting any weight on her right foot. She struggles sleeping at night because she feels saddened about her condition. She also can no longer help with household chores, so her son has to handle everything while her daughter looks after her in the hospital. Fortunately, BCMF is helping Daw Moe receive treatment. On July 8th, surgeons will perform a debridement to help relieve her pain and allow her to walk again. Now, Daw Moe needs help to fund this $694 procedure. Daw Moe expresses, “I feel pity on my son as he has to do everything when I am admitted at the hospital. He is also the sole bread winner, as my husband hardly works. I hope that I will get well soon so that I can go home and help him.”

U Hla is a 43-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his wife, three sons and a three-year-old daughter in Mon State. His sons go to school, while he and his wife collect recyclable plastic items and sell it to a recycling plant to earn a living. In his free time, U Hla enjoys growing vegetables in their garden. In October, U Hla was walking around his hut barefoot when he stepped on a piece of glass that cut his right toe. He could not afford to go to a clinic or a hospital and, over time, the injury became infected. His right toe is swollen and has turned blue. He cannot put any weight on his toe and has to use a wheelchair. Due to the pain, he cannot work as much as he needs to and he shared that since the end of November, he had to take his sons out of school to help him earn enough income for them to survive. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping U Hla receive treatment. On December 16th, surgeons will perform a debridement to help his infection heal so that he can go back to work and his sons can go back to school. Now, U Hla needs help to fund this $694 procedure. “I really miss my children and I want to see them,” said U Hla. "After I recover, I will go back to work and plant more vegetables. My garden is small, but I want to grow more vegetables and sell it to earn more money. I want to support my family as much as I can."

U Hla is a 42-year-old man from Burma. He lives in a monastery with his daughter in Mon State. U Hla spends most of him time volunteering at the monastery, cooking and cleaning for the monks. Sometimes, he works as a motorcycle taxi driver. His daughter goes to school and the abbot pays for her school fees. For the past 20 years, U Hla has suffered from recurring infections. Two weeks ago, he developed an ulcer on his backside and now U Hla is in pain and he cannot sleep well. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping U Hla receive treatment. On October 28th, surgeons will perform a debridement to help the ulcer heal and stop him from being in pain. Now, U Hla needs help to fund this $694 procedure. "I just want to be healthy and live with my family happily,” U Hla said.

Daw Tin is a 59-year-old farmer from Burma. She lives with her husband, son and daughter-in-law in Mon State. She and her husband are tenant farmers, but since she hurt her right toe, she cannot work. In her free time, she enjoys growing flowers and vegetables. Seven years ago, Daw Tin was diagnosed with diabetes but was unable to access regular treatment for her condition. One month ago, she noticed that she had a blood blister on the big toe of her right foot. Her toe was also achy, and she decided that she would prick the blister with a needle to drain it. Over the next couple of days, the drained blister turned into an ulcer. Currently, Daw Tin’s right big toe is swollen and discoloured, and she is in pain. She cannot farm and she cannot help with household chores. At night, she cannot sleep because she is constantly worried about her right foot and their financial problems. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Daw Tin receive treatment. On October 28th, surgeons will perform a debridement to help her go back to work and stop her from being in pain. Now, Daw Tin needs help to fund this $694 procedure. “I want to have my own farm in the future,” said Daw Tin. “Thank you so much to the donors.”

Thidar is a 47-year-old woman from Burma. She lives with her husband, son and daughter in Mon State. Thidar is a homemaker while her daughter goes to school. Since schools closed due to the recent coup and COVID-19, she now looks after her daughter and does the household chores. Thidar’s husband is too ill to work, and their son is a day laborer. One month ago, Thidar noticed that the back and inner part of her left calf was red and swollen. When she went to Mawlamyine Christian Leprosy Hospital (MCLH) to have her calf checked, she was admitted and diagnosed with cellulitis. She was given daily injections of antibiotics and when she was discharged, the doctor gave her oral medication and told her to come back if her condition worsened. At first, Thidar felt better, but three weeks later, her left calf became swollen and painful. She also developed a blister on her inner calf and at the back of her calf. Although she wanted to go back to the hospital, her family did not have any money. Ten days after her symptoms returned, her son sold his motorcycle and brought her back to MCLH. The doctor examined her and saw that her blisters had now turned into ulcers. She underwent surgery to clean the ulcers and remove any necrotic tissues. After the surgery, a nurse cleaned and dressed her left calf every day. A few days later, the doctor checked her left calf and saw that her calf was not healing well. The doctor told Thidar she would need to undergo another surgery to clean and remove necrotic tissue. When Thidar told the doctor she had no money left to pay for another surgery, the doctor referred her to our medical partner Burma Children Medical Fund for assistance accessing further treatment. Currently, Thidar’s left calf is in pain and swollen. She cannot do household chores and she is worried about their debt, as they have had to borrow money for her treatment, and they already owe money they borrowed to buy a house. Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is helping Thidar receive treatment. On October 22nd, surgeons will perform a debridement to help Thidar to be free from pain and able to resume her regular work. Now, Thidar's family needs help to fund this $694 procedure. Thidar said, “When I recover, I will raise pigs to earn money and pay back our debts. I will also have money for our everyday needs this way.”

U Ghwe is a 70-year-old man who lives with his wife and granddaughter in Burma. His wife is ill and not able to look after household chores most of the time. His granddaughter is a student in grade 12, but since her school is closed right now, she looks after the household chores. U Ghwe is a weaver and primarily makes bamboo baskets used to carry materials for construction. The family also fishes and raises chickens. Four years ago, U Ghwe had a stroke which left the muscles in his right foot very stiff. Although he can walk, he cannot wear sandals comfortably and instead goes barefoot. About a month ago, while cutting bamboo for weaving, he felt something bite the sole of his right foot. When he got home that evening, his foot was painful, itchy, red and swollen. Unfortunately, he did not have money to seek treatment at a clinic and eventually, the wound developed into an abscess filled with pus. A family member finally recommended that he visit our medical partner's care center for further examination and treatment. After examination, a doctor diagnosed him with an ulcer and told him that he has diabetes. The doctor shared with him that any injury U Ghwe sustains will not heal easily. His doctor has recommended surgery to clean the ulcer and help it to heal. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), is helping U Ghwe receive the recommended treatment. On October 7th, he will undergo a wound debridement procedure at BCMF's care center to help his wound heal. Now, he needs help raising $694 to fund his procedure and care. U Ghwe shared, "I do not know how long my daughter will not be able to [give] me money. Today, my daughter called me and said that my son-in-law will need to have surgery so she cannot send me money. I am the only one who can earn an income, so if I do not feel better, I will not be able to work. I am interested in working with wood. If was younger, I would learn and become a carpenter but now I feel I am too old."