By Umar Saleh, Bauchi
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Survivors have expressed determination to pursue their dreams despite the challenges, coupled with their health condition.
The survivors under the flagship of Spinal Cord Injury Association, Africa Network (SCIAAN) gave the indication at its End of the Year Meeting in Bauchi.
Some of them, Ms Yvonne Jack and Mr Iliya Isma’il said the Spinal Cord Injury survivors were different from other Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
The Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Survivors however claimed that their capabilities were numerous as most of them were graduates of different fields and beter than some set of people with any form of health condition.
Ms Ivonne Jack who is the founder of SCIAAN said she feels like a normal person because even with her disability she was able to pursue her goal to the latter.
Mr Isma’il said life with such condition has never been easy, but with family’s support and that of caregivers, there has alway be light at the end of the tunnel.
Also speaking, Ms Princess Gugndi Markus and Ms Gloria Uffort who narrated their ordeal to Radio Nigeria said their conditions were as a result of ghastly motor accidents.
Other survivors, Esther Dabem and Samuel Luka who also recount their ordeals, appreciated God Almighty for keeping them alive to share their stories with others.
Physiotherapists who attended the meeting, Dr Najib Osigbemi Sani, Dr Yusuff Tunde Bonjubola and Dr Usman Yakubu Yoladoka urged people to be careful when offering help during an accident, do that gently to avoid worsening the health condition of survivors.
The medical experts advised SCI Survivors to take time to attend regular therapy with a view to improving their health condition.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of stipend to the attendees courtesy of SCIAAN.