How to Live With Paralysis (Real Examples)

Two examples below

Don Silvestre

MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) helps rehabilitate people with disabilities and works within communities to eliminate stigmas associated with disabilities. When Don Silvestre, 29, a farmer in the Bolivian community of Santibañez, was working in his fields, he was struck by a falling tree and the impact was so great that he was paralyzed from waist down and so unable to work.

To add to his woes his wife left him alone with their four small children. He soon went into despair, depression and poverty. MAP came to his aid and started him on a physical rehabilitation program to enable to get some strength back and also helped him start organic farming. He learned to make baskets and other crafts and, with a small grant from MAP, he purchased enough materials to start a crafts business.

Frankie Jorgen

Frankie Jorgen was in an automobile accident and when he woke up in hospital he was told that he would never walk again. He used to sell medical and hospital equipment, but after his accident had to use special equipment to move around. He was also told that he may not be able to have children, so he and his wife later adopted a baby girl.

In 2004, he started my own online business and now works from home. He uses an electric wheelchair to move around, has built up his upper body and is considering taking part in wheelchair racing events.