17-year-old Than Kyi lives in Mae Sot, Thailand. His parents moved from Karen State, Burma, five years ago to look for better job opportunities. Than Kyi was studying but he wanted to move to be with his parents, so he quit school and moved to Mae Sot.
When Than Kyi was about 5 years old, he noticed a small growth on his upper right calf but did not worry about it because it was not painful. As he got older, the mass grew bigger. When he was about 10 years old, the mass was about the size of an egg and it started to get painful. His parents took him to a clinic in Mae Sot. After having an x-ray done, the doctor explained to the family that Than Kyi had an abnormal growth in his tibia which would need to be surgically removed. However, the doctor reconsidered and told them that since Than Kyi was still young it was better to wait before having the surgery. The doctor gave him an injection and some oral medications which made Than Kyi feel a lot better.
Than Kyi did not have pain again until he was 14 years old. At this time the pain was so severe that it sometimes prevented him from sleeping. His parents again took him to the clinic in Mae Sot where he received the same injection and medicines as before. The pain abated but resumed a year later. He again visited the clinic and this time the doctor told his family that it was time for him to have surgery. Than Kyi’s parents could not afford to take him there. They decided to take Than Kyi to Mae Tao Clinic (MTC), a Watsi partner. Since then Than Kyi has been visiting MTC whenever he experiences pain.
An x-ray that showed he has osteochondroma, a benign tumor that is an outgrowth on the surface of bones. He needs surgery to remove the tumor and relieve his current symptoms.
Than Kyi’s father shared that he has lost some customers because he frequently has to bring his son to the clinic. However, he said that his son’s health is more important than his customers.
“I want to get well soon so that I can help my father,” Than Kyi shared.
His father added: “I’m very worried about my son, especially for his future. He will someday have to be on his own to support himself and he might not be able to if his condition would not be fixed.”
