Panita “Rod May” Chawaphatarathanakul was born with a rare genetic condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy or SMA. The disease results in progressive decline of motor, causing difficulties in movement, swallowing and breathing. She requires 24-hour physical care from her parents.

Over 160,000 runners across 165 countries took part in the Wings for Life World Run on Sunday (May 8), raising 4.7 million euros through entry fees and donations for spinal cord research.