Ko is a 19-year-old from Burma. He has seven siblings who are all studying in different schools in Burma. As for Ko, he was able to attend school only up to third grade because he needed to help his father in their farm.
In March 2019, Ko started to have pain in his left lower abdomen as well as in his back. The pain sometimes is bearable but it becomes severe, especially when he lifted heavy things. He also passed cloudy urine and he frequently needed to urinate. He went to a clinic in his village and he received oral medication, which only helped him for a short period of time. When his symptoms returned, the medic at the clinic advised him to go into town for further investigation. Ko then visited a private clinic where he had an x-ray. The result revealed a stone in his ureter. Although the doctor advised him to go to Yangon for further treatment, Ko did not go to Yangon because he did not have money. Currently, Ko has pain in left side his lower abdomen and back. It is difficult for him to urinate and he experiences burning urination. Fortunately, he was connected with Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF) to receive further treatment at Mae Sot Hospital.
Ko said, “When I am fully recovered, I can help my father again to bring in income for our family.”