I’m Ibemere Zion chichetam. I was born in Amaraku Isiala mbano IMO State Eastern Nigeria.
I was applying for admission into the University around the time I had a traffic accident eleven years ago. I sustained a spinal cord injury at C1- C5 complete. I was taken to several different hospitals which were the Federal Medical Center in Owerri, the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and National Orthopedic Hospital both in Enugu. My family spent all that they had. The doctors did the best that they could. They said that I should go for surgery abroad, but my family didn’t have money to pay for it.
I have been in this condition for eleven years now. I am a quadriplegic and unable to move my hands, arms, and legs.
In truth, life has been very difficult for me. I have been in a hard situation for many years now. Most times, there’s nobody to help me out with my basic needs. Everyday, I lay on the floor in a small room and I can barely see the sun. I get by with very little help.
My mother who helps me is elderly and suffering from Parkinson’s disease. She has had no treatment for years and my father is also very old. I have managed to survive this terrible life in which I am suffering for many years now.
Life has left me with no choice, but I am hopeful that all will be fine if only my basic needs will be provided for. Laying on the floor is terrible for me. Many times, I get cold and sick. It has been a difficult experience for me to endure.
For some time now, I have thought of the need for a power wheelchair to enable me to go out. This is the only way I can think of to move and to ease some of my pain from laying on the bed all the time.
