"Nong Khun," a little girl aged 2 years and 3 months who suffered seizures before passing away, had both kidneys and four heart valves donated by her parents to the Thai Red Cross Society, transforming loss into hope for patients awaiting organs to save their lives.
On 20 Oct 2026 at the Forensic Department of Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok, Dr. Rakpong Wiangcharoen, the hospital director, along with doctors, nurses, and staff, held a water-pouring ceremony for the late Supattra Sae-Heng, or "Nong Khun," aged 2 years and 3 months, to bid farewell. The atmosphere was mournful among family members, including her parents Kanokroda Phadan, 29, and Charothorn Sae-Heng, 39, her 9-year-old brother, grandparents, and relatives. The hospital also presented a certificate of honor to the family in recognition of their significant organ donation charity.
Dr. Rakpong revealed that Nong Khun died from seizures and brain death. The family generously donated both kidneys and four heart valves to the Thai Red Cross organ allocation system to help patients awaiting transplants. Initially, both kidneys could help two patients, while the number of patients who can receive the heart valves depends on medical experts' evaluation and organ suitability. The medical team must strictly follow safety criteria in their decisions.
The hospital director added that Nong Khun is the youngest organ donor in Thailand based on available data. Organ donation requires assessment by multiple medical specialists, considering physical condition, organ suitability, and providing information to relatives before consent. Buddhachinaraj Hospital has continuously developed its transplant capabilities, especially kidney transplants performed for about one year, as well as cornea transplants, with plans to develop liver and bone marrow transplants in the future. The hospital encourages people interested in organ donation to contact them for information and advice.
Kanokroda, Nong Khun’s mother, sorrowfully disclosed that her daughter had epilepsy since 5 months old with intermittent seizures. On 28 Sept, she experienced severe seizures with high fever leading to coma at the original hospital before being transferred to Buddhachinaraj Hospital, Phitsanulok. When doctors determined brain death, she wanted her daughter to perform a great merit by donating organs to save others, consulting grandparents and relatives who all agreed and supported the decision.
Through tears, Nong Khun’s mother said although the family lost their beloved daughter, if her organs can help others continue living, it is immensely valuable. She hopes this act of merit will help Nong Khun reach a good afterlife and, if reborn, wishes her to have strong health without childhood diseases as in this life.
Though Nong Khun’s life was brief at just 2 years and 3 months, her family’s decision transformed loss into hope, offering a chance to patients awaiting organ transplants. This is a touching story of giving that reflects the immense love of parents who, despite losing their child, chose to give others the gift of life.