Even though life in Malawi is often fairly adventurous, our everyday work is often filled with the usual mundane tasks that accompany any job. Yesterday, however, was no ordinary day. What a huge privilege to be a part of this work with the Tidzalerana Handicapped Club! We spent the day fitting prosthesis for physically handicapped individuals who are not able to afford equipment that will provide mobility.
Last week, Gibson Mkandawire and myself took 3 Club members to Queen's Hospital in Blantyre to be fitted for prosthetics, which they received yesterday. Here are their stories, but even better – check out the before and after video of Callista – walking for the first time!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8GapYhGHu8 – this is the “before” video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz2kXZejf1c – this is the “after” video – look at the smiles!
Callista M. – age 9
Callista is a very smiley 9 year old girl. Born with lower leg problems that are unknown to her family, she had complications in surgery when she was young, resulting in both her legs being amputated from the knee.
Callista is still often carried on her mom's back, but also can walk quite naturally on her 2 stumps.
When she put on her new prosthetics, a huge smile appeared on her face. She was given a walker to try out and for the next 2 hours, she was up and down getting used to the equipment. By the end of the day, she was already walking without the aid of her walker – just using her mom, or any surrounding objects!, for support. She was ecstatic, and the look on both her, and her mom's, face was priceless.
Timothy C. – age 11
Timothy was born without the use of his legs. Even so, his disability has clearly not stopped him and he is one of the fastest 11-year olds I have ever seen pulling himself around with his hands!
Timothy's grandmother is the guardian who brings him to Tidzalerana on Tuesday afternoons, and since last year, she has been advocating for the Tidzalerana Handicapped Club to assist Timothy; especially since he is now getting very big for her to carry around on her back.
Last week, Timothy was fitted for his new assists – bilateral knee, ankle, foot orthosis – which are 2 full braces from thigh to foot. On our way to the hospital yesterday morning, he looked apprehensive. I presume a mixture of nervous excitement and fear of the much-anticipated day. At the end of a very long 8 hour day of waiting (including a power blackout for 2 hours, during which no one could work), and fitting the new appliances, which were made on site, Tim's new “legs” were ready. As he took his first painful, off-balance steps, he looked, to me, a little disappointed. I think he might have been hoping to strap them on and be off running! However, after a bit of practice, he seemed a little more positive. He certainly had a determined look about him as he lifted the walker and tried to make his legs do what his mind was trying to. There will be a journey ahead as he continues with physio and learns to walk for the first time. Hopefully, his 11-year old resilience will serve him well as he gets onto his new legs and proves that he can do it.
Timothy was born without the use of his legs. Even so, his disability has clearly not stopped him and he is one of the fastest 11-year olds I have ever seen pulling himself around with his hands!
Timothy's grandmother is the guardian who brings him to Tidzalerana on Tuesday afternoons, and since last year, she has been advocating for the Tidzalerana Handicapped Club to assist Timothy; especially since he is now getting very big for her to carry around on her back.
Last week, Timothy was fitted for his new assists – bilateral knee, ankle, foot orthosis – which are 2 full braces from thigh to foot. On our way to the hospital yesterday morning, he looked apprehensive. I presume a mixture of nervous excitement and fear of the much-anticipated day. At the end of a very long 8 hour day of waiting (including a power blackout for 2 hours, during which no one could work), and fitting the new appliances, which were made on site, Tim's new “legs” were ready. As he took his first painful, off-balance steps, he looked, to me, a little disappointed. I think he might have been hoping to strap them on and be off running! However, after a bit of practice, he seemed a little more positive. He certainly had a determined look about him as he lifted the walker and tried to make his legs do what his mind was trying to. There will be a journey ahead as he continues with physio and learns to walk for the first time. Hopefully, his 11-year old resilience will serve him well as he gets onto his new legs and proves that he can do it.
Elizabeth C. – age 31
Elizabeth had a business selling Mandazi's (fried doughnuts) in Ndirande township. One day, 3 men came, asked for Mandazi's, and then left without paying. When Elizabeth followed them trying to get her money, the men turned and brutally attacked her. She was in a coma for 2 days. By the time she woke up from the coma and was able to get to a hospital, her injuries were so great that one of her legs required amputation.
A few years ago, friends from the Presbyterian Church in Canada paid for her first prosthesis. She was overjoyed to be able to walk without the aid of crutches – leaving both hands free to use or carry. Last year the prosthesis broke and she has been on crutches since that time. Yesterday, Elizabeth received her new leg. It was amazing to be able to watch her as she gingerly stepped out of my car when I dropped her near home. Carrying both crutches in 1 hand, she was able to timidly walk through the marketplace on her way. Before she left, she thanked us and praised God for the work that Heis doing through all those that
have assisted her to receive a new leg.
Elizabeth had a business selling Mandazi's (fried doughnuts) in Ndirande township. One day, 3 men came, asked for Mandazi's, and then left without paying. When Elizabeth followed them trying to get her money, the men turned and brutally attacked her. She was in a coma for 2 days. By the time she woke up from the coma and was able to get to a hospital, her injuries were so great that one of her legs required amputation.
A few years ago, friends from the Presbyterian Church in Canada paid for her first prosthesis. She was overjoyed to be able to walk without the aid of crutches – leaving both hands free to use or carry. Last year the prosthesis broke and she has been on crutches since that time. Yesterday, Elizabeth received her new leg. It was amazing to be able to watch her as she gingerly stepped out of my car when I dropped her near home. Carrying both crutches in 1 hand, she was able to timidly walk through the marketplace on her way. Before she left, she thanked us and praised God for the work that Heis doing through all those that
have assisted her to receive a new leg.