Improve Cancer Care for 270 Children in Myanmar

MaungKaung is an 11-year-old boy from Southern Myanmar. After he was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018, his motherOhnKyi’s determination to find a cure led them to Yangon Children’s Hospital, which is supported by World Child Cancer. Because Yangon was two hours away from their home,OhnKyi stopped working in order to stay by her son’s side in the hospital. As a result, she could no longer generate additional funding for his treatment.

In order to adhere to his treatment at the hospital,MaungKaung had to miss school back in his township. As is the case for many children with cancer,MaungKaung’s academic and social life had been disrupted due to his hospital stay. Fortunately, however, he still had access to an education; Yangon Children’s Hospital had recently become home to Heroes School, the only hospital school supported by World Child Cancer and the only such school in Myanmar. Of his many school activities,MaungKaung developed an affinity for his music class, and fell in love with singing. He quickly stood out in the class, leading group songs and inspiring his peers with his passion for music. Undoubtedly, the Heroes School has produced students who areheroes in their own right.

OhnKyi was overjoyed to see her son thriving at the Heroes School.

“I have never anticipated that a school like Heroes School exists in a public hospital. This is incredible! Now I see my son smile and sing. I feel like he is living just like a healthy kid, thanks to those who established this school and to those who continue to support the school, both financially and technically.”

Children with cancer often miss months, and sometimes years, of traditional schooling due to long-term hospital stays, which take a significant toll on both their academic progress and their friendships back home. Access to education during treatment is essential, both in preventing these children from falling behind in school and in helping them readjust to a traditional academic setting upon returning home. Your generous support helps produce more “heroes” likeMaungKaung and ensures that these children can lead healthy lives after cancer.