Aye Than is a 45-year-old Burmese woman who lives in a village close to the Thai-Burma border. She lives in a large household, which includes her mother, two brothers, sister, their spouses, and her three nieces and nephews. She earns her living selling cheroot, traditional Burmese cigars.
At the age of 40, Aye Than started experiencing frequent headaches and a stiff neck. For five years, she treated her symptoms with medication from the pharmacy.
About two months ago, Aye Than was picking up a bucket when she started to feel dizzy and found it difficult to stand. She became unable to open her left eye.
Although Aye Than can still see with her left eye, she is unable to open it unless she physically lifts her eyelid with her hand. She has also been experiencing sharp pains in her head. With Aye Than unable to work, her mother is supporting the family.
On October 26, Aye Than underwent a CT scan at our medical partner’s hospital. This test should determine the cause of her symptoms. Now, she needs help to fund this $469 procedure.
“I am looking forward to getting better so I can continue to work with my mother and resume my Buddhist practices—meditation, going to the monastery on full moon days, and maintaining the alter in my home,” shares Aye Than.