16-year-old Ei originally met our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP), when she was 11-years-old. Then, she had been diagnosed with a cardiac condition and has been medically treated ever since. Due to her worsening symptoms of racing heartbeat and shortness of breath, Ei must now undergo surgical treatment for her congenital heart disease.
BBP tells us that Ei dreams of becoming a teacher. One of her favorite things to do is run but her condition has made it difficult for her to do so. “Ei’s health issues are causing her parents a great amount of anguish as they do not have sufficient income to pay for health care inside Burma,” shares our medical partner.
For $1,500, doctors will perform a mitral valve replacement surgery on her heart to repair the damage of her congenital heart disease. Burma Children Medical Fund, an organization that facilitates the transportation and treatment of Burmese people at Thai hospitals, is subsidizing the treatment with an additional $13,525.
BBP adds, “Following surgery, Ei should be able to return to the activities she enjoys and to resume school so that she can fulfill her dream of going on to higher education.”