Meet Su Su, a 38-year-old woman from Thailand. Su Su works in a clothing factory with her husband, working as a seamstress.
Two years ago, Su Su began to experience a lot of pain. “She went to a clinic and the attending doctor informed her that she might have a mass,” shares our medical partner, Burma Border Projects (BBP). When the pain did not subside with medication, doctors confirmed she had a pelvic mass.
A pelvic mass is a non-cancerous tumor caused by abnormal development of muscle cells in the uterus. These growths can cause a combination of prolonged menstruation, abdominal pain, backache, or leg pains. The pain is severe enough that Su Su is unable to work. BBP adds, “Since she has been ill, she has had to borrow money.”
$1500 will fund the treatment Su Su needs for her condition. Her treatment involves a total hysterectomy and oophorectomy to remove the uterus and ovaries. These procedures will prevent the tumors from multiplying and spreading, and redeveloping in the future.
BBP reports, “After surgery, Su Su will be able to return to her work and earn a living. She will no longer suffer pain and will be able to live with dignity.”