Asen: from a 20% chance of survival to medals in badminton

The 4 October edition of the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) news bulletin “Po sveta i u nas” (“Around the World and at Home”) ended with the inspiring story of Asen — a participant and medallist at the Balkan Games for children who have overcome an oncohaematological disease. A story about the power of faith and will.

Days before turning 14, Asen heard the diagnosis: lymphoblastic leukaemia. After four gruelling courses of chemotherapy, the illness came back even more aggressive. His only chance was a stem cell transplant in Germany, and the doctors gave him a mere 20% chance of survival.

Eleven years later, Asen is a law student and an accomplished athlete. In June he won a silver and a bronze medal in badminton at the European Championships for transplant athletes in the Netherlands. And he has turned his ordeal into a cause — he gives hope to the children who are facing the illness now.

They are little winners who still have a great deal to show in their lives.Asen on the children from the Balkan Games, speaking to BNT