Zai is a 14-year-old boy originally from Burma. He has lived in a refugee camp in Thailand since he was nine. He lives with his mother and six-year-old brother. They live off of camp rations and the money his mother makes working as an agricultural day laborer.
A few months ago, Zai’s left eye started to itch. He went to a free eye screening at a nearby hospital. Doctors there suspected that Zai has an abnormal growth affecting his eye, but they were unable to give a definitive diagnosis. Zai was then referred to Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), our medical partner, for financial support for a CT scan.
Zai’s eyesight in his left eye has been compromised by his condition. His blurry vision has affected his studies. He has not been doing well on his exams because he cannot read them. Further, Zai is unable to play his favorite sport, baseball.
On April 4, Zai will undergo a CT scan at Mae Sot General Hospital, our medical partner’s care center. BCMF is requesting $414 to fund this procedure.
“When my eye is better, I will start playing again right away,” Zai says. “I worry about how my condition will impact my school work in the future because I want to be a doctor, and I know I need to study hard for that.”