By Margaret Grainger | Vice President
One of our football players, Songkran, is a very active and talented player. For the past 6 months it has been difficult for him to play a whole game or participate in a full 1 hour training session without complaining of tiredness and chest pains. This was very concerning for his coaches who ensured that when he was experiencing these symptoms, he took a rest and drank lots of water. Often when we are playing from 8:30am- 9:30am the temperature on the field can get up to 34 degrees Celsius.
We discussed our concerns with his parents and suggested that they take him to the local hospital for a checkup. Unfortunately, as he was not experiencing symptoms at the checkup time the doctors did not do any tests.
One month later his mum suddenly died and the causes were unknown. (Thorough autopsies are not done in the government system and she was diagnosed as having heart failure.) In the light of Songkran's symptoms on the field, we were concerned that there might be a heart condition.
After having no success in the government hospital, Margie from Hand to Hand took Songkran to a local private hospital where he had a full physical health checkup including an ECG, heart checkup and X rays of his lungs. No abnormalities were found, but this put his father and our coaches at ease.
The doctor's diagnosis was that Songkran was malnourished and when he was exercising he did not have enough electrolytes and energy which was putting stress on his whole system. Hand to Hand has been ensuring that Songkran has access to more nutritious food, rather than just mama noodles and rice that him and his father were eating. He is doing better but not quite there yet. We are monitoring him weekly and have also communicated his diagnosis to the school so that teachers are aware of his condition.
Moana is developmentally delayed girl whom we have been supporting since she was 6 months old. She is now 3.4 years old and after 8 months of occupational therapy, she is doing very well. She is still very delayed and her skill level is equal to a 1.5 year old. She attends 3 therapy sessions a week. Two of these sessions are covered by a private sponsor and the other 800 baht session is covered by your generous donations.
Thank you so much for all your love and support.
By Margaret Grainger | Vice President
By Margaret Grainger | Vice President
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