When Matheryn Naovaratpong fell seriously ill as a child, her parents were determined to do everything in their power to save her. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer just after turning two, Matheryn underwent numerous surgeries, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments without success. Despite their efforts, Matheryn tragically succumbed to the disease at the age of two and a half.
Following her passing, Matheryn’s parents, Sahatorn and Nareerat Naovaratpong, made the decision to have her head and brain cryogenically frozen in the hope that future advancements in science could revive her. This unconventional choice, which made Matheryn the youngest person to undergo cryopreservation, was documented in the award-winning 2019 film “Hope Frozen.”
Sahatorn, a medical engineer, and Nareerat, both deeply committed to their daughter, firmly believe in the potential of science to bring Matheryn back to life someday. They have entrusted the preservation of their own bodies to the same facility where Matheryn’s brain now rests, even though they acknowledge the slim chances of a reunion.
Despite initial skepticism from family members, the Naovaratpong family came to accept and support Sahatorn and Nareerat’s decision as Matheryn’s health deteriorated. In a meticulous procedure after her passing, Matheryn’s body was prepared for cryopreservation to minimize tissue damage, and her brain was stored at a constant temperature in Arizona, USA.
While the Naovaratpongs mourn the loss of their daughter and acknowledge the emotional struggles they face, they hold onto hope that advancements in medical technology could one day bring Matheryn back to life. Their unique story challenges perceptions and raises philosophical questions about the intersection of science, faith, and human emotion.
