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Many transgendered “ladyboys” and young guys we help have difficult family situations, emotionally and financially. Most are from slum communities or from the poor village areas. The family’s financial needs and cultural duties often directly lead these Thais to attempt prostitution; being exploited and exposed to diseases, various forms of abuse and addictions. A current statistic is that one in every three ladyboys or males working in the sex industry have HIV, TB and various other sexual diseases. It’s shocking but it’s been consistent with the individuals we have helped. There’s still so much stigma, fear and unknowns around these diseases and virus’ that the individuals start to feel isolated, rejected and like the walking dead. Therefore, several of the ones we help require urgent medical care, counseling and support.

Two of our students currently have HIV; one has AIDs & more; another has another complicated sexually transmitted virus. Sadly, due to lack of knowledge, options, care… three of these students are also having some drug resistance issues, requiring monthly checks on how their bodies are responding to the meds and re-adjusting the meds. Thankfully, we met one of the top HIV specialists in Thailand this past January and he has been phenomenal and pivotal in our boys’ lives. One boy would not be alive today without the help of this doctor and our social workers investment, time and love. It was the way God intervened and brought healing. More than half of the meds our students need daily are not available through the government hospital programs, but this doctor continues to help us and search for ways to find better quality pills through affordable options. Until then, we are currently spending about $1,300.00 US in doctor appointments, tests and meds monthly for our critical cases. We need to raise about $4,000 to cover their medical needs for these three months and about $7,500 for other students’ tuition and educational costs. Our monthly budget currently doesn’t include these new costs, so we definitely need your help! Please give and tangibly help bring about a good future and hope for each one. Let’s raise $11,500 by the end of the year!