Le Thanh Nghiem -- Vietnam

 Age: 37

 Transplant: Kidney, July 1993

 Hometown: Tuy Hoa - Phu Yan

 Events: Badminton, Table Tennis, Swimming, Athletics

Athlete's Story: I am the first person to receive a kidney transplant in Vietnam. I was chosen to receive the kidney and operated on by Vietnamese researchers. I have now returned to an ordinary life, five years after the transplant, and am one of the first two Vietnamese to participate in the XI World Transplant Games in Australia. I would hereby present my great thanks to the Vietnamese researchers, the National Committee of Kidney Transplantation, and to my elder sister, Le Thi Nhu who gave me one of her kidneys. She has given me my life, saved my wife's spouse, and my daughter's father, and has brought back happiness to my family.

For over four years, I have not only survived, but also have been able to do very useful work for my family as well as the society. After the transplant, I attended and graduated from the University's agricultural branch with high ratings. In addition, I have also studied informatics and foreign language (with excellent grades in the classes).

It's my privilege to represent the kidney transplant recipients in Vietnam by my participation in the XI World Transplant Games in Australia, for the purpose of affirming my health and capability after the transplant. At the same time, together with the people in the same circumstance worldwide, to join in a circle of friendship, with the aspiration to do our best to contribute our part (though small) to the success of The Games.

Again,I am presenting my best thanks to the Chairman of the Athletic Association for the transplant recipients; and the organizing board of the XI World Transplant Games, for having done a great favour to my country and me. I am looking forward to more spiritual and material assistance from you, in the time to come.

My Message to the World: Life reveals its most precious value when we come near to death; prevention is better than cure.

 

Last modified: 11 May 2000