Catholic-run center in Thailand helps AIDS patients survive, thrive

Published: 2004-11-23

RAYONG, Thailand (CNS) -- Two years ago, few thought Sanvers Sangheran, an AIDS patient, would survive, let alone care for others with the disease. But through the help of antiretroviral drugs and the care she received at the Catholic-run Camillian Social Center in Rayong, the 30-year-old's health improved, she became a licensed nursing assistant and now helps care for patients at the center. "I want this miracle to happen to everybody," said Sangheran, as she massaged the foot of a critically ill HIV-positive woman at the Camillian center. "No one can massage an AIDS patient better than one who has experienced the pain AIDS brings," Sangheran said. Like the woman she massaged, Sangheran had taken refuge at the center after she and her husband were diagnosed as HIV-positive. Her husband, who passed the disease to her, died shortly after they arrived at the center. Sangheran said she received a "second life" due to the care and antiretroviral drugs she received at the center. She said she wants to stay alive for her 10-year-old son, who is attending school in her home village.

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