Wai is a 30-year-old woman from Burma. She lives alone in Tak Province, Thailand. She previously worked in a fabric factory, but had to leave her job because of health issues. Currently unemployed, she relies on a neighbor who owns a rice shop to provide her with meals. She lives in a terraced house and the owner of the house has allowed her to delay rent payments until she has fully recovered and can earn a daily income. For basic health care, she usually visits the Mae Tao Clinic (MTC) in Mae Sot, Thailand which provides free services. In her free time, Wai enjoys reciting prayers with prayer beads. She also loves helping with cleaning at the monastery and changing the flowers at the temple.
In May 2023, Wai began experiencing swelling and pain on her head, which slowly worsened over time. Initially, she did not visit a clinic, thinking the swelling was simply acne. Two months later, the swelling had increased in size, and her friends advised her to visit MTC. The staff from clinic conducted blood tests and a physical examination, treating her with oral antibiotics, painkillers, and vitamins. She was then scheduled for a follow-up appointment a week later. Unfortunately, her symptoms did not improve. As a result, she was referred to Mae Sot Hospital (MSH) in February 2024 where she received follow up care. In January this year, Wai underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan of her head and incisional biopsy. The results indicated that the swelling was a malignant mass, which required surgery. Currently, Wai still experiences head swelling with discharge, loss of appetite, weight loss and evening fevers, which she medicates with paracetamol.
Wai sought treatment through our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund. She is scheduled to undergo mass removal surgery on April 21st, which will ease her symptoms and treat her condition. Wai now needs support to raise $1,500 which will cover the total cost of her procedure and care.
Wai expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much to BCMF and the donors for the assistance with my treatment costs. I am deeply grateful beyond words. Once I fully recover, I want to help others as much as I can. I hope to repay my thankfulness when I have an income, to show my respect to all the doctors and donors.”

