Photo by Than Htwe’s family via GoFundMe
The Asian American mother who sustained head injuries after being attacked near a subway station remains in critical condition.
Last Saturday, an Asian American mother and son fell down the stairs of a subway entrance after an attempted robbery. The New York Daily News identified the victims as Than Htwe (mother) and Kyaw Zaw Hein (son).
New York State Assemblywoman Yuh-Line Niou apologized Tuesday morning for incorrectly stating that Htwe had died on Monday night.
The assemblywoman, however, clarified Tuesday morning that the Htwe was still alive. Niou said a contact close to the family had misinterpreted comments made in Chinese.
Niou did not give specific details about the Htwe’s current condition but said the family is facing a tough decision.
A female relative of Htwe’s told the New York Daily News they are unsure if she will survive.
“We don’t know if she’s going to make it,” she said. “It looks like an 80% chance no.”
Htwe immigrated to the United States from Myanmar three years ago to build a better life for her family.
“She came here for me. For my education,” Hein told The New York Daily News.
“No matter what mistakes I made, she always forgives me,” Hein said. “Although she will scold me too.”
Her family described her as a loving wife and mother.
“She’s a very good woman. She’s very responsible,” Myint Shein, Htwe’s husband, told CBS2’s Cory James through a translator.
Hein and Myint set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for expenses. It has received over $27,000 in donations.
“I just want to tell everyone who’s reading this, to always cherish the moments you have with your mother,” Kyaw wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Tell her ‘I love you’ or giving her a hug and kiss because you never know what will happen. Thank you for all the support.”
Correction: The son’s backpack was not stolen.
Update: July 20 6:00 p.m. PST
The article was updated to include the names of the victim as well as a GoFundMe page set up by the family.
Update July 21, 7:00 a.m. PST
This article was updated to include quotes from Htwe’s family members.
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