“Thu Thu is a very smart girl,” says her father. “She puts efforts into studies but her current health condition prevents her from going to school.” At two years old, doctors discovered that Thu Thu had a hole in her heart, a condition called patent ductus arteriosus. They expected that it would heal itself, however, now at 16 years old, Thu Thu requires surgery to close the hole. “Thu Thu lives in Burma with her parents and two older sisters,” explains our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). “Her father works as a tailor while her mother takes care of the house and children. Thu Thu’s father’s income is just barely enough to cover daily expenses so they do not have money saved to pay for healthcare.” While untreated, Thu Thu suffers with the symptoms of her condition. “Thu Thu has severe fatigue and gets sick with colds frequently,” continues BBP. “Her breathing and pulse are irregular. Her condition has forced her to drop out of school even though she has excelled in her classes until now.” For $1,500, Thu Thu will receive cardiac surgery to help her regain energy and attend school again. Once she recovers, she plans to go back to class, pass her exam, and move on to a university. “I really want to pass my matriculation exam,” shares Thu Thu. “I cannot wait to be as healthy as other people.”