Mar Naw, a native of Kachin State, has dedicated his life to documenting Myanmar’s most difficult chapters. As a photojournalist in Yangon, he stood on the frontlines when the military coup seized power on 1 February 2021. While others fled, he lifted his camera, bearing witness to crackdowns, protests and the resilience of people fighting for freedom.
Over the years, Mar Naw has traveled to Shan State, Sagaing, Karen State, Tanintharyi, and Bago, some of the most dangerous and conflict-torn regions of Myanmar. Through his lens, he has captured the struggles of villagers displaced by war, young people who took up arms to defend themselves and entire communities surviving under repression. His work has not only documented history but has also earned him international recognition. He is a multiple award-winning photojournalist, including recognition from POY Asia 2024.
But today, Mar Naw is fighting for his own life.
A few days ago, while out casually buying food for his beloved six cats, Mar Naw was struck from behind by a drunk driver. The accident caused a severe head injury. He underwent emergency left craniotomy surgery at a hospital in Thailand and has been in the ICU on a ventilator since.
Doctors have warned that his recovery will be long and uncertain. Because the injury was on the left side of his brain, it may affect his ability to move and use his right hand, the very hand he relies on to hold his camera. It is still unclear if he will ever be able to return to the work that has defined his life and given voice to so many others.
Right now, Mar Naw’s medical bills are rising daily, and his family is facing immense financial strain. Beyond the ICU stay, he will need rehabilitation, ongoing treatment and long-term care.
Your donation, no matter the amount will go directly to his medical costs and rehabilitation, to give him the best possible chance to recover and we hope, to return to the life and work he loves.
Mar Naw has told the world the stories of Myanmar’s people in their hardest moments. Now, he needs us to stand with him.
Please consider supporting him and please share this campaign so others can too. Together, we can help bring him back to his six cats, his camera, and his community.
Note: Although GoFundMe doesn't allow us to set the campaign location in Thailand, please note that Mar Naw's accident happened in Thailand and all the donations will go directly toward his medical bills and rehabilitation here.
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