Hla Hla Myint, a 43-year-old Myanmar national who has worked as a foreign domestic helper in Singapore for 12 years, is seeking financial support for her ongoing cancer treatment and medical care.
For more than a decade, Hla Hla has worked in Singapore while sending almost everything she earns back to Myanmar. According to her fundraiser, her family depends entirely on her income for food, medication, and other daily needs.
Her family includes her mother, who is unwell with liver and womb conditions, and her father, who has diabetes. Her brother has an enlarged pancreas, while her sister stays home to care for their parents and her young niece.
This situation has meant that Hla Hla continues to work in Singapore while also providing financial support for her family back home.
Hla Hla Was Diagnosed With Cancer In 2022
In 2022, Hla Hla discovered lumps on her neck.
The lumps continued to grow, and she was later diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.
She underwent major surgery followed by radioactive treatment. According to her fundraiser, the total cost of her treatment exceeded S$35,000.
At the time, Hla Hla said she did not know how she would manage the medical expenses.
She received financial support through a previous Give.Asia fundraiser, with donations helping her undergo the required treatment.
Hla Hla described the support as giving her a second chance at life.
For a period, she believed that the most difficult part of her cancer journey was over.
However, in 2024, the cancer returned.
She underwent another operation and had to continue her treatment and recovery.
She Now Requires Ongoing Medical Care
Hla Hla’s cancer journey has continued beyond her surgeries.
She now requires regular monitoring and follow-up consultations, continuous medical tests, and lifelong medication.
These expenses are ongoing and are not limited to a single procedure or hospital stay.
Her latest scan also revealed a 3.6 cm growth in her uterus.
Following the scan, a gynaecological review will be arranged for further assessment and medical advice.
The fundraiser stated that regular scans and close medical monitoring are needed to keep the cancer cells contained and under control as much as possible.
Hla Hla’s current medical needs include regular consultations, follow-up tests, and medication that she is expected to take for the rest of her life.
While her previous fundraiser helped cover her cancer treatment, her current appeal focuses on the continued care required after her surgeries.
Insurance Does Not Cover Her Ongoing Costs
Hla Hla’s employer, Karen, has allowed her to continue working despite her health condition.
However, according to the fundraiser, her insurance only covers hospitalization.
Her follow-up consultations, medical tests, and medication therefore have to be paid for in cash.
At the same time, Hla Hla continues to send money to her family in Myanmar.
She said that some days she feels very tired but continues working because her family depends on her income.
Her employer also explained why she has continued to employ Hla Hla despite her medical condition.
Karen said she is doing her part to help Hla Hla and her family, adding that Hla Hla has been working in Singapore for 12 years.
According to Karen, if Hla Hla stops working, she may lose her job and her main means of supporting her family.
Karen also said that none of Hla Hla’s family members are able to work, leaving Hla Hla responsible for providing financial support from Singapore.
Fundraiser Seeks S$21,400 For Two Years
Hla Hla is now seeking S$21,400 to cover two years of ongoing medical care.
The fundraiser estimates that her medical expenses amount to approximately S$10,700 each year.
The money will be used for follow-up consultations, monitoring tests, and lifelong medication.
Unlike the S$35,000-plus cost of her previous cancer treatment, the current fundraising target is intended to cover continuing medical care rather than another major surgery.
Hla Hla said the support would help her continue her treatment, stay well, and maintain her ability to support her family.
She also expressed her gratitude to donors who previously supported her cancer treatment and those who are now helping her with her ongoing care.
The fundraiser said that donations would support not only Hla Hla’s medical needs but also her ability to continue providing for her family in Myanmar.
According to the fundraiser, all funds raised will be managed by Give.Asia paid directly to the hospital for Hla Hla’s treatment.
Hla Hla is continuing to work in Singapore while undergoing regular medical monitoring and taking lifelong medication.
Her latest appeal is focused on covering the ongoing costs of cancer care following her previous surgeries and treatment.
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