“I really hope to be able to get a job to provide some support for my family,” shares Tha, a 29-year-old husband and father of four children from Burma. Tha suffers from bladder stones that restrict his everyday activities. Bladder stones are painful, crystallized masses in the bladder that currently put Tha at risk of chronic urinary infection. In 2012, Tha had one of his legs amputated after a serious accident involving a landmine. According to our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), “These injuries combined with the pain and chronic infections caused by his bladder stones make it impossible for Tha to work, so he stays home to take care of the children.” While initially from Burma, Tha and his family currently live in Thailand. His wife works hard to support the family, but is unable to take care of her children and cover the medical costs that Tha needs for full treatment. Before his illness, Tha used to love cooking for his family. His wife fondly recalls these memories, sharing that he cooks better than she does. BBP explains that "without surgery, Tha will continue to develop more bladder stones and his infections will only get worse.” For $1500, Tha will receive surgery to completely remove his bladder stones. Surgery will have a positive impact on Tha’s life, freeing him from pain that currently limits his ability to work, and spend time with his family.

“All I want is to be able to take good care of my daughter,” says Paw, adding, “I want to find a job in a nursery school because I love children so much. Actually, I would really like to be a teacher, if I had the opportunity.” Meet Paw, a 21-year-old mother from Burma with ASD, or atrial septal defect. Since she was young, she has been dealing with the symptoms of this heart disease, including difficulty with breathing, fatigue, and regular bouts of dizziness. “Her condition is also very emotionally draining and causes her a lot of worry,” explains our medical partner, Burma Border Projects. Paw’s family moved to Nu Po Refugee Camp about 12 years ago as result of consistent fighting between ethnic rebel soldiers and the Burmese army. Because Paw could never work independently, her parents support her and her three-year-old daughter. However, her father only earns 100 Baht a day, equivalent to about $3 USD. Combined with the basic rations they are given in camp, this is only enough to cover daily expenses. They cannot save enough to pay for Paw's healthcare. If left untreated, Paw's condition can be fatal. For $1,500 we can fund the complex cardiac surgery necessary to treat Paw. Together, let’s lift the burden of Paw’s cardiac problem!