This is Ta Lo. She is 54 years old, and lives in Burma with her husband. She has four grown-up children.
Ta Lo and her husband primarily grow rice for a living, but also need to supplement their income by working as laborers for a few days a month.
Working in the fields and as a laborer is physically demanding, and as a result of all these years of heavy lifting and hard work, Ta Lo has developed a condition called utrovaginal prolapse. This is a condition where one’s muscles, ligaments and skin around the pelvic region prolapse, or fall, out of their normal positions in the body.
Our medical partner, Burma Border Projects, tells us, “Ta Lo noticed her prolapse when she was 23 years old, but it was very small and she only had a small amount of pain. As she has gotten older, it has gradually gotten worse. Now it is difficult for her to pass urine and stool, and sitting and working is uncomfortable.”
Ta Lo had a fall two months ago, which worsened her condition and rendered her unable to work. There is treatment, but she simply can’t afford it. She shares, “I want to be able to move more easily and contribute to help my husband. I look forward to be able to cut branches and leaves for my house’s roof and be able to clean my house without discomfort and pain.”
Ta Lo can receive surgery for $1,500. Upon completion, she will be free of her pain, and should be able to return to some normalcy. Let’s work together to make it happen for Ta Lo!