Than is a 30-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his friend, and they occasionally host Karen National Union (KNU) members. He currently works as a guard at one of the gates of the KNU area in Karen State, Burma, but he does not get paid.
A few years ago, Than and some other villagers were driving to buy wood at a timber shop. He was sitting on the truck bed when one of the car’s tires burst. When he tried to jump down from the truck, Than’s left leg was hit by two heavy boxes, which broke his femur. Although he received treatment at that time, his femur has not healed properly. He is suffering from a significant walking impairment and constant pain in his left leg and his knee. Because his femur did not heal properly, he cannot walk on his own but requires crutches.
With the help of our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, Than will undergo surgery to reset his fractured bones and ensure proper healing. The procedure is scheduled for April 24 and will cost $1,500. After surgery, he will be able to fully work and walk again.
“I hope that I am able to get a job and support my mother, once I am able walk again. Thinking about my current situation saddens me a lot,” says Than.