Thara is a nine-year-old girl from Burma. She lives with her mother, grandmother, elder brother, and cousin in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, Thailand. Thara has cerebral palsy, and her mother takes care of her full time, helping her with her physiotherapy exercises. Her aunt supports the family by working as a housemaid in Bangkok.
In August, Thara’s mother noticed that her left cheek was swollen and that she was crying a lot and appeared to be in pain. Her mother brought her to a nearby clinic where the doctors performed a CT scan, a procedure in which x-ray images taken from several angles are combined to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Thara was diagnosed with a dental infection, given an injection, and prescribed medications. This treatment initially reduced the swelling and helped Thara feel better.
After a few days, the swelling returned, and Thara had lingering symptoms. The doctors asked for Thara to undergo a second CT scan so that they could formulate an appropriate treatment plan and, hopefully, completely resolve Thara’s symptoms. Since Thara’s mother had borrowed money for the first treatment, she was worried she could not afford another scan.
Fortunately, our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, can help. BCMF is requesting $414 to cover the cost of Thara’s CT scan and care, which will occur on November 10th.
Thara’s mother said, “I am relieved that my daughter is feeling better. When the doctor said that she needed another CT scan, I asked if it could be skipped because I could not afford it. Thank you, donors and BCMF, so much for your help.”

