Help needed for a terminally ill lady who wishes to spend her few remaining days in Samui

KOH SAMUI: -- The story you are about to read is both heart breaking and heart warming. One of the caring members of our community got a call to deal with a very unusual situation, below he tells us in his own words.

“I was called out by Maenam police at around 2pm a couple of days ago, to ‘talk with a German woman’. I didn’t get much detail, just that there was a German woman staying in a resort, and that she ‘had to leave’. The only thing that confused me was the fact that the resort name they gave me was of a resort that closed down quite some time ago… and that nobody was there… or had been there for quite some time.

When I got to the front gate of the resort it was well overgrown… grass and trees had taken over, and there wasn’t even a path through the place that I could see. The bungalows were falling apart… literally. Roofs broken… walls rotten and crumbling etc. They were a clear danger… rotted stairs, balconies and so on. I had to push my way through overgrown bush to get anywhere. In the end I had to holler out to the police so that I could figure out where they were, and which direction to go.

Eventually I got to a bungalow, and saw the police standing on what was left of a balcony. They quite literally had to pull me up to where they were, as the steps had rotted away.

They explained that inside the bungalow was a German lady, and that could I please explain to her that she couldn’t stay… which was pretty obvious given the state of the place. Apparently she had been there around 3 weeks already.

I walked into the main room and there, tucked away in a corner, was the lady in question. She was (I was told) 57 years old, and she couldn’t have weighed more that 30 lbs. She was obviously very, very ill. She was lying on a reed mat, with a few bottles of water and packs of crisps nearby.

She could speak almost perfect English, and was obviously a well-educated intelligent woman… this is what she told me…

She first came to Samui 11 years ago, and stayed in this particular resort. She had wonderful memories of her time there.

She had been diagnosed with terminal cancer some time ago, and, as her health quickly started to deteriorate, she decided that she wanted to spend the short time she had left here on our island… she wanted to die here. She didn’t want any fuss, didn’t want to bother anyone.

When she arrived 3 weeks ago she could just about walk… not far… but far enough to get to the bungalow she stayed in 11 years ago. It must have a major struggle for her to actually get up the broken stairs to the bungalow’s main room. It didn’t bother her that the place was now derelict, in fact she thought that it was better this way… she just wanted to be left alone to die in the peace and quiet of a place that had good memories for her.

She realised that once she made it into the bungalow, that this was ‘it’. She wasn’t going to leave it… didn’t want to leave it.

A local Thai woman saw her arrive and disappear into all the trees and brush, and, with some concern, later went looking for, and eventually found her in the derelict bungalow… basically lying down and waiting to die. They talked for a while, and the young Thai woman took it upon herself to make sure that there was water and essentials available for her, and came to visit her regularly with more water and snacks. The German lady (Christine) had stopped taking her meds a long time ago… there was no point she told me.

But someone had called the police, probably more out of concern for her than anything else, and now the land owner was also aware of Christine’s presence. Christine kept on telling me that she just wanted to be left alone in peace for the short time she had left, and pleaded with me to tell the police this… which I did. But, of course, it was an impossible situation for them… they had to do something… they couldn’t just leave her there.

It was decided that Samui Rescue should be called, and – despite Christine’s wishes – she began to realise that this was not going to be possible. She had no money (had given it all away), and no passport (thrown away), and only a small bag of belongings.

She was taken to the government hospital in Nathon, where she was immediately put on a saline drip… however, she has now signed forms that state she has waived any medication or treatments. She is so unhappy at the thought of spending her remaining days in hospital, but appreciates that this is the only option now left to her.

She didn’t expect this, and – after giving everything away, she doesn’t even have the money to pay for her basic care at the hospital.

We know nothing about this lady except her name – Christine. She ‘doesn’t want to make a fuss’ and is mortified at the attention she has been getting. She has said that she has no family… whether this is true or not doesn’t really matter… she has her own reasons for wanting to ‘go out’ this way, and doesn’t talk of her past life at all.

I have sat with her at the hospital a couple of times… in between nodding off, she smiles a lot, holds my hand, and thanks everyone for trying to help her… even though she would rather not have it, she understands the concern that people have for her… she is just glad that at least she is going to die on the island she loves.

I asked her that – if we could get some financial help for her – would she prefer to stay in a private room… they are not that expensive (the government hospital costs are very reasonable compared to the private hospitals here on Samui)… she flatly refused that, considering a waste of money. She was more than content to stay in the public ward, despite the hustle and bustle there.

She doesn’t want or need much, and is embarrassed by the fact that she has no means to pay the hospital for her care.

She knows that she doesn’t have long… whether this is a few days, or a few weeks, nobody knows.”

If anybody would like to contribute to this ladies hospital bills or has any suggestions as to how we can make her final days more comfortable then please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]


-- Samui Times 2014-12-12

A sad but beautiful story.

I'm guessing (given the OP) the first thing would be to workout where she went so many years ago, that made it the special place where she wants to pass away, and try to let her see those places again (if they exist these days) with little fuss, but in a comfortable fashion.

Its a shame she can't have her final days where she wants, perhaps there is a similar place not far from the original resort that is of similar design. Who knows, but it is a time for a bit of Christmas cheer. I'm would hope if there is a schedule worked out, then the funding will follow.

Also hats off to the lovely Thai lady whom provided assistance along with everyone else.

Edited December 12, 201411 yr by stevecm

Sorry I'm in tears.

Please help the Lady as I will do.

I have contacted already the Deutsche Hilfsverein Thailand and should have an answer back by tomorrow morning.

I am more then happy to assist financially as well. Sadly she doesn't have a passport otherwise she could stay with us in Sakon Nakhon and leave this world with happiness.

A sad but beautiful story.

I'm guessing (given the OP) the first thing would be to workout where she went so many years ago, that made it the special place where she wants to pass away, and try to let her see those places again (if they exist these days) with little fuss, but in a comfortable fashion.

Its a shame she can't have her final days where she wants, perhaps there is a similar place not far from the original resort that is of similar design. Who knows, but it is a time for a bit of Christmas cheer. I'm would hope if there is a schedule worked out, then the funding will follow.

Also hats off to the lovely Thai lady whom provided assistance along with everyone else.

i have a vacant bunglow in manam till 24th decemeber she is welcome to stay there

I have contacted already the Deutsche Hilfsverein Thailand and should have an answer back by tomorrow morning.

I am more then happy to assist financially as well. Sadly she doesn't have a passport otherwise she could stay with us in Sakon Nakhon and leave this world with happiness.

Please let us know what they said. Whatever the answer, happy to help financially as this is what is needed most I understand.

I didn't heard anything yet from them as of 7am, this morning

I fully appreciate the lady's desire to just fade out, but there might be some attraction to a family environment, anything but a hospital.

Given the passport issues, etc, I'm not really sure how she can stay with people, but focus on a final, family, Christmas with her "Samui family" might , eventually, be appealing and give her some final happiness, not to mention the inevitable fact of finality.

The newspaper need to set up a Facebook fund raising page to help out, I have no problem sending some money to this lady, It's sad that she has no family around to be with her in her finally days.

I fully appreciate the lady's desire to just fade out, but there might be some attraction to a family environment, anything but a hospital.

Given the passport issues, etc, I'm not really sure how she can stay with people, but focus on a final, family, Christmas with her "Samui family" might , eventually, be appealing and give her some final happiness, not to mention the inevitable fact of finality.

I can open my door and she can just walk inside

If I don't know she is there I do t need her passport problem is i need her out by 23 rd to clean the placed for customers

I have contacted already the Deutsche Hilfsverein Thailand and should have an answer back by tomorrow morning.

I am more then happy to assist financially as well. Sadly she doesn't have a passport otherwise she could stay with us in Sakon Nakhon and leave this world with happiness.

Please let us know what they said. Whatever the answer, happy to help financially as this is what is needed most I understand.

Good news. Also it is weekend the issue has been forwarded to the management of the Deutsche Hilfsverein Thailand and as well to their contact in Samui.

In fact they are very grateful that we mentioned it to them.

I just received note from the Deutsche Hilfsverein that they have been in contact with the German lady in Samui for the past few days.

This is the reply from Samuitimes, when I ask where I could send some money to help out with the lady's last wishes, hopefully they can get something setup, so we can help.

On Sat, 12/13/14, Samuitimes Editor <[email protected]> wrote:

Subject: Re: Would like to help
To: "James
Received: Saturday, December 13, 2014, 1:22 PM

Hi
James, thanks so much for your email. I have asked the
wonderful chap who found her to figure out how much she
needs each week and then we will figure out how people can
contribute, we may not have a lot of time to set up a
charity account but maybe the hospital wil take direct
payment.

I will keep
you updated, thank you so much for contacting us, you are so
kind.

With very warm
regards

Su

Editor
Samui Times
Tel
: 0810910107Email
: [email protected]
: http://www.samuitimes.com

A few thoughts:

1. Does the German Embassy have a straightforward hardship fund? They will, inevitably have a welfare officer, through whom contact can be made.

2. What about whether any health insurance companies could be persuaded to get on board, paying costs, as an act of corporate social responsibility or to glean direct positive publicity. I know that Thai companies don't seem to be wildly pro-active in trying to attract a farang client base, but I get the impression that Thai Life (Thai Health Insurance Public Company) and BUPA aren't entirely dead to the issue.

Happy to assist financially.

I really don't mind her staying in one of my bungalows if she wishes please PM me

Sometimes our forum is terrific - this is one of those times.

Look forward to an update on how to help this lady.

Outstanding news for the lady suffering from terminal cancer who wishes to end her days in Samui

KOH SAMUI: -- After the Samui Times brought the plight of a German lady suffering from terminal cancer to the attention of our community we have been inundated with offers of help.

Christine was found by a member of our community spending her last few days in a hotel room she had stayed in 11 years ago, however the hotel was derelict and overgrown with weeds, vines and undergrowth. She told her rescuer that she as terminally ill with cancer and wanted to end her days near to the beach in Koh Samui. Wanting to be left alone to die she turned down the offer of help but later as persuaded to go to Nathon hospital where she was put on a saline drip but refused all medication.

With no money to pay her bill at the hospital and feeling very upset to be causing anybody any trouble Christine agreed to let us put out a plea for help to take care of her hospital bills and many of you wrote in asking to help.

Since then, a kind family who wish to remain anonymous, have come forward with an offer that has reduced those involved with helping Christine to tears. They have offered to take care of all of her medical bills, take her into their home, provide nursing care for her for as long as she needs it and have agreed to take care of the necessary arrangements at the end.

After meeting with Christine, who initially could barely comprehend such kindness, they have decided to rent a bungalow on the beach for as long as she needs it. The family has told Christine that they will take care of her for as long as she needs have encouraged her to take good care of herself and prolong her life and enjoy the time she has left. All of her bills and requirements will be taken care of and she will want for nothing.

This heartwarming story really shows what an incredible community we live in and how pure goodness can be found in total strangers. The Samui Time would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have come forward with offers of help, to those of you who have been to the hospital to help with bills and have provided fruit and other gifts for the sick lady, we should all be very proud of our community, and hope that Christine enjoys some quality time in her new home by the beach. On behalf our community the Samui Time would like to thank the anonymous family from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness, compassion, generosity and for changing the life of one little lady who felt she had nowhere left to turn but found a miracle here on our island.


-- Samui Times 2014-12-17

Heart warming

Great news, restores your faith in humanity.

Very nice for her .... I hope she will get a peaceful end

Outstanding news for the lady suffering from terminal cancer who wishes to end her days in Samui

KOH SAMUI: -- After the Samui Times brought the plight of a German lady suffering from terminal cancer to the attention of our community we have been inundated with offers of help.

Christine was found by a member of our community spending her last few days in a hotel room she had stayed in 11 years ago, however the hotel was derelict and overgrown with weeds, vines and undergrowth. She told her rescuer that she as terminally ill with cancer and wanted to end her days near to the beach in Koh Samui. Wanting to be left alone to die she turned down the offer of help but later as persuaded to go to Nathon hospital where she was put on a saline drip but refused all medication.

With no money to pay her bill at the hospital and feeling very upset to be causing anybody any trouble Christine agreed to let us put out a plea for help to take care of her hospital bills and many of you wrote in asking to help.

Since then, a kind family who wish to remain anonymous, have come forward with an offer that has reduced those involved with helping Christine to tears. They have offered to take care of all of her medical bills, take her into their home, provide nursing care for her for as long as she needs it and have agreed to take care of the necessary arrangements at the end.

After meeting with Christine, who initially could barely comprehend such kindness, they have decided to rent a bungalow on the beach for as long as she needs it. The family has told Christine that they will take care of her for as long as she needs have encouraged her to take good care of herself and prolong her life and enjoy the time she has left. All of her bills and requirements will be taken care of and she will want for nothing.

This heartwarming story really shows what an incredible community we live in and how pure goodness can be found in total strangers. The Samui Time would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have come forward with offers of help, to those of you who have been to the hospital to help with bills and have provided fruit and other gifts for the sick lady, we should all be very proud of our community, and hope that Christine enjoys some quality time in her new home by the beach. On behalf our community the Samui Time would like to thank the anonymous family from the bottom of our hearts for their kindness, compassion, generosity and for changing the life of one little lady who felt she had nowhere left to turn but found a miracle here on our island.

-- Samui Times 2014-12-17

Post of the year!

Hats off to Samui Times

Edited December 17, 201411 yr by evadgib

Would be really great to hear a follow up on this story.

That's one great family there pitching in and helping out this poor lady in her hour of need. There's got to be one rich Karmic reward coming their way. A blessing on them all.

Humbling. A tear passed my eye (right one, if you must know!).

Why not respect her wishes and leave her alone?

At the end of the day no one should be "on their own" when the time comes.

This family will be all the richer for their support and humanity in future years, I am positive they will not be interested in recognition and thanks, but they are to be commended for their actions.

This reminds me, a little, of another Samui story where people wanted to help the little girl. There are some really kind and wonderful people on this small community. Each day I am honored to be among them (although I am still 1/2 terrified of the driving conditions out here). To people like this, wow! How wonderful to be a part of making someone's life complete, delicate, and allowing them to leave the world in comfort and love. What a tremendous gift. What an honor to love a stranger like this.

Why not respect her wishes and leave her alone?

Once the police got involved she entered the system. They couldn't legally abandon her for if nothing else, fear of prosecution. Hospital will not release her for at least the very same reason.

Better to use any money donated to quickly renovate to living conditions the bungalow she was in, obtain the OK for her to live there and provide some medical support if she requires it for legal reasons. No much to ask for is it?

At the end of the day no one should be "on their own" when the time comes.

This family will be all the richer for their support and humanity in future years, I am positive they will not be interested in recognition and thanks, but they are to be commended for their actions.

'Should' by whose definition? Obviously not the very person making the choice.

If the lady wishes to die alone then she should be let to. Who the Hell am I, you or anyone else to judge on someone's dying wish?

Why not respect her wishes and leave her alone?

What kind of a nonsense comment is that? Is it beyond you to actually write something positive about how people have come together to help this lady? Unlike you, there are people who are genuinely concerned about this lady, and want to know how things are going for her. It seems pretty obvious (if you read the article) that she has indeed been 'left alone', apart from the people who want to help her. Aaaah... a bit late, but I get it... you are one those troll types eh?