Family dilemma

Recently this writer had the opportunity to visit a family that has been affected by HIV. The mother is seriously ill, unable to care for herself and her two daughters aged 1 and 8 years old. The mother is unable to obtain ARV treatment since her disease has progressed too far. According to the doctor's diagnosis the mother might not have much longer to live. At this point he can only treat the symptoms which is caused by opportunistic infections, not the disease itself.

The burden of caring for the family falls on the 8 year old daughter. She is not only the mother's caretaker but must also care for herself as well as her hyperactive one year old sister. The eldest daughter has been unable to attend school for the last three weeks due to her overwhelming home responsibilities. The family depends on her for the shopping and laundry. Despite the well intentions of the 8 year old child, due to her young age, she unintentionally made her younger sister sick with diarrhea by mixing pasteurized milk with tap water. The younger child had to be taken to the hospital.

Currently the family resides with a cousin in a rental house in Chiang Mai. Unfortunately, the cousin wants the family to move out as soon as possible. This family is facing all kinds of problems, in addition to health issues there are also issues with living accommodations. There are no options which allow this family to stay together. Though there are many organizations that open a resting house to help people with HIV/AIDS, their restrictions make it difficult for this family to obtain the assistance they need. Some houses don't allow children, others only admit children who are HIV positive, while still others only accept children whom don't have any parents. The mother wants to live her life with her 2 children as long as she is on this earth. Sadly, her hope at this time is almost impossible to fulfill.

In Chiang Mai Thailand, even though people are provided with an opportunity to obtain ARVs for free, there is still discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. Many people choose to hide their status and keep it a secret for as long as possible. Unfortunately these people wait until their illness is so bad that medications won't be of any help. This is the cause of many deaths. The writer found out that the reason the mother did not disclose her HIV status was due to this fear. She feared discrimination and of being ostracized from the people around her. She was very sick when she decided to see the doctor.

The case of this family is quite complicated. A possible solution could be the following:
1) The mother lives in a house for those women affected with HIV.
2) The oldest daughter lives with her father in the south of the country.
3) The youngest daughter stays in a home for children suffering from the effects of HIV/AIDS.

Perhaps this is the best solution at this time. But it is disappointing that the last desired wish of the mother will never come true!

This writer would like to ask, why do some people who are infected with the virus give up the fight for their lives
instead of facing the discrimination and ostracization from society? Many of us who are working in this field also have to ask ourselves whether we are doing enough and in the most beneficial way by giving and distributing information to the public about HIV/AIDS.

New Volunteer at CAM

A Tribute to the CAM Staff

I am a volunteer that has been sent by the American Jewish World Service Organization (AJWS) to work with CAM on English skills and funding reports. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, USA. I have been retired from social work for almost two years.

I've had the honor of working with CAM for two months. I'll never forget the kindness and support they have shown towards me. On the first day of my arrival, they took time from their busy schedule and personally delivered various household items to the apartment I was staying in. I was even taken shopping for things I might need. That kindness has extended for the duration of my visit. They've included me in various activities, always making sure I was warm, comfortable and even got to experience their delicious food and treats. They also patiently tried to teach me Thai.

I also had the privilege of seeing the dedication to their patients first hands. I was invited to attend one of their workshops. There I witnessed the interactive teaching of the participants. In addition, I also took a trip with one of the staff to visit a Lahu village, a community and government hospital and also a nursery school. Even though I am not able to speak the Thai language, the kindness and caring was clearly evident bu the tone and body language, not to mention the distance itself that we had to travel. One of the worships held to commemorate World Aids Day almost brought tears of hopefulness to my eyes as the participants held hands and sang in support of all those who suffered

I just want to say thank you CAM staff. I only hope can show the same kindness an caring to others as you have shown to me.

Frannie Hoff

Na uu Jalee's story from Chiang Dao

(This picture was taken prior to her hospital visit when she was very sick)











Miss Na uu Jalee is a 30 year old Lahu woman who is a villager in the Jiajun village in Chiang Dao which is a sub district north of Chiang Mai. The first time she got married was more than 10 years ago to Mr Jaka Babu. Together they have a daughter named Nicha Babu and she is now 10 years old. She is in 3rd grade and is studying at the "Baan Muang Na" village school.


Na uu Jalee's first husband died when her daughter was 2 months old. After some time she met a new boyfriend and they lived together, his name is Jasee Jalaw. Unfortunately her boyfriend Jasee passed away in 2006. They had 2 sons together which are Yahe and Jasaw. Currently, they don't have land or a house to call their own. They are now living at their cousin's house of her latest husband. The house is very crowded with 9-10 people living in a very confined space.

Her family is in a very difficult situation after her husband became sick and died. She is forced to take care of her family on her own and do the best she can with what she has. She got very sick and had many problems like bloating/gas, tightening of the chest, difficulty breathing and a very poor appetite. Since she is unable to work due to her illness, she doesn't have any money for food or medicine for herself and her 3 children.



Besides the sickness, she has other problems as well regarding her citizenship status due to the fact that herself and her 2 sons do not have any of the documents needed for Thai citizenship. Except for her daughter Nicha from the first husband who has a birth certificate. Even though she does have the certificate she does not yet have the Thai citizenship. So, the whole family is without Thai citizenship which prevents them from accessing social services, such as the right to receive free medical treatment. They are expected to pay from their own pocket. She is also restricted from traveling outside the village without written permission, which causes her family problems especially now that she is very sick.

On Aug 22nd, 2008 CAM staff took her to the Chiang Dao Hospital to receive treatment and she stayed in the hospital until the 26th. After she left the hospital she was still very worried about her situation at home with no food, no money and living from hand to mouth. It was getting so bad that she asked her sons to ask the monks for food when they came for alms.



Even the cousins that helped them out before couldn't help now because they were also struggling and living hand to mouth. She told us if there any organizations that would like to adopt her sons she would let them go because it is impossible for her to take care of them. She is sick and her kids are suffering and she thinks this would be their best chance at a better future. She feels very upset that her life has been a continous struggle, but she does feel hopeful when she talks to the Church leader Anon Jabu who is also a volunteer at CAM. After Anon's visit with Na uu Jalee he met with CAM staff to discuss her situation. CAM continues to help Na uu Jalee and her family but they need more help, especially from the community.


(This picture was taken after her hospital visit and she feels much better)











CAM was able to help by paying for Na uu Jalee's hospital visit, transportation and meals.
Totalling 4,948 baht

Please pray for Na uu Jalee and her family.