Chaa-Nay-Choo

A STATELESS, SELFLESS BOY HERO

Above:  March 2013 : on admission to hospital , and June 2013:  after ten weeks in Intensive Care              

This web page is dedicated to a young Karenni boy called Chaa Nay Choo (also transliterated as Sha Nay Htoo) who suffered terrible burns when trying to save others in the Mae Surin Refugee Camp inferno on 22 March 2013, where tragically, 37 people died.

Being stateless, he was not covered by any Thai government health or welfare plan, and would have died from his injuries had help not come quickly from external sources. He was transported from the camp by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and admitted to the Suan Dork Hospital Burn Unit in Chiang Mai, (Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital) where, if he was to survive, considerable funding had to be found for the many months of intensive burn care which lay ahead.

In addition to the IRC's help, and moved by his selfless actions, many compassionate people and organisations immediately came forward to help save the life of the 14-year-old boy, including Baxter Healthcare and Nestlé in Thailand, who donated life-saving medication and nutrients. The Best Friend Burmese Library in Chiang Mai (recently renamed the Burma Study Centre) operated by Garrett Kostin, became a centre for donations, and a Charity Gala Dinner was held on 01 June at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel in Chiang Mai which raised over 232,000 Thai baht (approx US$7,700)

For several weeks, the life of the seriously burned hero hung in the balance with several close calls, including one episode of cardiac arrest, plus numerous infections, influenza, bedsores, and fifteen skin grafting operations.

Update 30 September 2013

(Photos courtesy of Peter Biro/IRC)

Six months after being horribly burned, and over five months in intensive care, the boy has returned to the rebuilt Mae Surin Camp and been reunited with his grateful parents. He revealed what he remembers about the fire that destroyed his home and left him severely injured. He recalls that along with an older brother, he was part of a group of five young men who worked to carry others to safety. Eventually, his brother ran away after being called by his parents, and sustained only minor burns. We know now that the other three boys all died.

The last thing Chaa Nay Choo remembers about the day of 22 March is being covered in flames himself, unable to continue helping others, and jumping into the river that bisects Mae Surin camp. 

When asked what he would like to do in the future when has grown up, he says "I would like to visit a foreign country, if I have the chance. Then, I would like to come back here - to help my people."

Still under the IRC's watchful eye, he is currently being looked after in the refugee camp's Health Clinic to ensure that the multiple skin grafts are not in any way damaged, or exposed to infection. When this danger is past, he will be able to return to the family's abode, and possibly even start school. Although he will need to wear special pressure garments on his hands and legs for at least a year, the lengthy series of skin graft operations he stoically endured can be considered a success. His face, which received relatively superficial burns compared to other parts of his body, is healing extremely well. He must wear a brace on his neck for the next six months to ensure that his neck muscles and skin wounds heal properly.

To complete his recovery and prevent possible dangerous relapses, it is essential now that he gets the right diet, medicine, treatment, together with physical rehabilitation exercises. The IRC has therefore developed a 6 month 'patient plan', including regular check-up visits to the hospital back in Chiang Mai where he was treated.

The essential aspects were:

• A weekly visit by IRC Staff Doctor to evaluate wound healing, signs of infection, and gauge his developing muscle strength

• To assess psychological aspects and provide motivational support

• Ensure adequate access to hygiene care and general needs.

His special diet had to include:

• Protein powder

• Vitamin C-rich fruits: (oranges, papayas, guava,..etc)

Medication necessary for wound healing:

• Aloe Vera baby lotion (to prevent cracking of granulation tissue)

• Vaseline cream / Petroleum jelly (to keep the wound supple, and prevent cracking)

• Fusidic acid / Tetracycline ointment if there is crack, or any sign of infection

Physical rehabilitation to prevent scar contracture (twice daily) 

• Rehabilitation exercises by a trained physiotherapist

• Scar massage 

UPDATE

07 January 2014 - nearly 10 months after the fire:-

Wounds healed, back at school.

James Lenton of IRC has today advised us that Cha Nay Choo's condition has improved, and all his wounds have now healed, helped by his courage and determination.

James further advised:

"Doctors from the International Rescue Committee continue to visit him regularly, ensuring he maintains a protein and vitamin rich diet, and keeps up with his physical rehabilitation schedule. He has also been happily attending school regularly. However, as he has some muscle contractures, he will need to undergo reconstructive surgery and skin grafts.

UPDATE 

12 March 2016

Chaa Nay Choo now lives happily with his parents, plays the guitar, attends school and is doing well. He is cheerful and active, especially, on the football field! He still receives treatment for scar contractures in Chiang Mai, otherwise he is a healthy young boy, now aged 15.

He does not know what occupation to follow yet, but we think he will live simply and contentedly in his community from here on.

We hope that the memory of the terrible fire, and his long suffering on the road to recovery, will slowly but surely fade away.

For comments, or corrections to this page please contact:

pr(at)chiangmaiheritage.com