Moo Wah is a one-year-old boy who lives in a Thai refugee camp with his mother, Naw Lah. Naw Lah adopted Moo Wah shortly after he was born; his biological mother was abandoned by her husband during the pregnancy and could not care for Moo Wah in addition to her three other children.
Presently, Naw Lah is taking care of Moo Wah on her own; her husband moved to the United States shortly after they were married. Naw Lah is hoping to move with her son once her husband is settled.
Moo Wah was born with hydrocephalus - a condition that causes fluid to build up in the skull and put pressure on the brain. This causes vomiting, pain, and discomfort.
Even with the financial help from her husband overseas, Naw Lah sometimes has to borrow money from friends to get through the month. Moo Wah only drinks milk powder instead of breast feeding and Naw Lah is not able to afford his food in addition to his other medical expenses.
Naw Lah cannot afford the surgery Moo Wah needs, but without it he is very lethargic and irritable. He has had frequent fevers and requires constant attention. Naw Lah is physically and mentally tired from the frequent trips to clinics and hospitals and eager for her son to get better.
With $1,485, Moo Wah will receive the operation he needs to alleviate his symptoms. A surgical shunt will drain the excess fluid built up in his skull and alleviate the pressure on his brain causing him to be tired and irritable. With this intervention, Moo Wah will get a new start on life and the chance to lead a healthy childhood.