Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bangkok Post - November 25, 2005
Anjira Assavanonda
A group of elderly people mostly from Chiang Mai province took to the stage at the People's Aids Forum yesterday at Sanam Luang. They shared their experiences and discussed hardship after their children became infected with HIV/Aids.
A grandmother, Chanfong Phumphoey, 69, of Ban Huay Yang in San Sai district of Chiang Mai, is nursing her youngest son who has HIV/Aids. It was only five months ago that the deadly virus claimed the life of her eldest son, making the emotional pain all the more difficult to bear.
"Every parent shares a common wish for their children to look after them in their old age. As my son became ill, I can't help feeling sad for him and for myself, but I can't let him know," said Mrs Chanfong.
Instead, she encouraged her son to muster his strength and fight the disease. Her moral support keeps him going and watching him take care of his life prolongs her own.
In grief herself, she started to think of other families in the neighbourhood facing a similar ordeal. In her community, there are about 20 families with Aids patients under their roof.
Mrs Chanfong visited them and found some older folk had shut themselves in their houses after their children died.
"I had to console them. They're not suffering alone. I then persuaded them to get out of the house and socialise with others," she said.
Three years ago, she came up with an idea of finding jobs for the elderly as a way of spending their time more fruitfully.
A vocational group was formed, which taught those taking part to make artificial flowers and traditional hot compress. They also took up traditional massage training.
Today, there are 32 older folk and 23 young people with HIV/Aids in the group, which has 50,000 baht of savings. The money pays for medical and other necessary expenses for its aging and ill members.
"But the funds we have are not enough. Of course, we receive cash donations from temples and the tambon administration organisation. But that's not enough to pay our bills and ensure smooth operation," she said. "Many of our members still have to work full time to care for their ill children. People their age shouldn't have to work this hard."
051125
BP051107
Copyright © 2005 - The Bangkok Post. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Bangkok Post.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .