Tha Dar is a four-year-old boy who lives with his mother, grandmother, and cousin in Burma. Tha Dar is too young to be in school but his cousin is in grade seven. His mother is a shop vender and she is provider for the family.
At three years of age, Tha Dar became ill with fever, cough and sneezing. The family took Tha Dar to the clinic in Thaton and he received oral medication and an injection. One day after returning home, he appeared to have a delayed reaction to the treatment as he became rigid. He fell down and had to be supported by his mother. These symptoms lasted for a week and they returned to another clinic. The clinic gave medicine to the mother for Tha Dar and recommended that she seek a consultation with a neurologist to discuss whether he had nerve damage. The clinic provided medicine but didn’t offer any medical diagnosis for Tha Dar.
Tha Dar went back and forth to different hospitals and he received physical therapy treatments for over a month, but his condition has not improved. Currently, he cannot lift his left arm and he cannot grab any object with his left arm. He does not feel pain but his mother very worry that he is not be able to use his left hand again.
Tha Dar’s family was disappointed that they were unable to gain appreciable medical help for Tha Dar’s condition in Burma. His mother on the advice of her aunt brought Tha Dar to Mae Sot to visit Mae Tao Clinic (MTC). MTC referred him to Mae Sot Hospital and after visiting Mae Sot Hospital he was referred to Burma Children Medical Fund to be possible surgical patient.
Tha Dar has several fractures from his upper arm to his scapula. With $1, 500, the fractures he has will be aligned and allow him to recover his mobility.
The family income is sufficient for the family’s basic needs and minor medical concerns; however, they are unable to save any money. Tha Dar’s father is out of the country at this time and presently, he is not sending any money home. Sometimes, the mother’s siblings will help out with finances occasionally.
Tha Dar’s mother said: “I want my son to go to school next year, get education, and then he can help work in Burma and help the country.”