U Saw is a 48-year-old man who recently had to leave his home in Burma due to conflict in the area and is resettling in Thailand. U Saw used to work as a hairdresser, but it has been challenging to find work since arriving in Thailand. Fortunately, he is living with a few friends who have been able to share money and meals. U Saw shared that in this free time he enjoys playing the piano and listening to audio versions of the Bible.
After U Saw arrived in Thailand in early April, the vision in his left eye began to blur. After visiting a local clinic, he was referred to the hospital for a vision and blood test. The doctors prescribed him some medication and recommended he undergo a CT scan to confirm his diagnosis. Currently, U Saw can only make out shapes and shadows with his right eye. While the vision in his left eye is slightly better, his vision in that eye is also becoming blurred. As a result, he has difficulty walking, reading, making out peoples’ faces, and experiences bad headaches.
Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund (BCMF), can help U Saw receive treatment. On April 28th, he will undergo a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. This scan will help doctors diagnose his condition and formulate an appropriate treatment plan. BCMF is requesting $414 to cover the cost of U Saw’s CT scan and care.
U Saw shared, “I feel upset. I have no income, and I can only eat with the support of my friends’ parents. If I cannot see, I will feel like my life is over. I feel sad when I think about not being able to go home and when I think about my life in the future. I want to be resettled in a third country.”