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Nongphanga, in her 50s, said she has been rebuilding her life as she could not bear the thought of living an aimless existence. "I used to have a happy life, but everything had gone. My parents and my only son passed away, while my husband left me after he learned that I had a fatal illness."

Nongphanga recalled the day that changed her life. "I had serious family problems and at the same time was hard hit by the economic slump. It seemed as if I was plunged into a freezing darkness. I screamed at the top of my voice and collapsed.

"I was rushed to hospital. The doctor told me later that I had been suffering from stress. I went to several hospitals. Doctors told me the same thing - I was suffering from bonemarrow disease caused by stress. They suggested a transplant.

"I travelled to the United States and Australia for treatment. For the three sessions in two countries, I spent a great sum of money. I sold my house and precious items. The treatments weakened me so much that I nearly collapsed. Nine years passed. I was exhausted but still determined to go on. Doctors and friends offered me moral support and that gave me strength. After my transplant, it was as if I had a rebirth. I became much stronger physically although I remained weakened mentally. It was just too much to bear for a single lady. I had no one to live for.

"There are more than 7,000 Thais suffering from bonemarrow problems now. Many have died from the illness. Physical health is one of the most important factors in life. If you keep yourself fit, your life can last 70 years or more.

"Although I have to stay alone with just a cat, I intend to spend life happily with friends. I do more exercises now and have taken part in minimarathons and a full 42.195km marathon. Before deciding to compete in the World Transplant Games, I took part in the Pattaya Marathon and clocked four hours, 40 minutes. The following day I had a checkup. My doctor discovered that my heart did not work properly, while the blood test was even worse. He asked me if I was sure of competing. I said I was strong enough to do so."

Nongphanga won her first gold in the women's 100m and continued her winning streak with her second gold in the 1,500m.

"I'm competing in the World Transplant Games to show the world that Thai patients who have had their organs transplanted are still healthy. I went abroad because the medical technology in Thailand in former times was not as good as now. Patients can undergo treatment in Thailand these days. I hope that more organs will be donated. Before you die, leave your organs to those who are in need. For the donors, it's worth giving, but for the patients, it's worth waiting for."

by Preechachan Wiriyanupappong

The Nation