Bundle of Joy Rings In 2012 For Paraplegic

Radha Sharma | TNN

AHMEDABAD: The year 2011 could not have ended on a better note for Jyoti Solanki, 25.

The Republic Day earthquake of 2001 had broken the spine of this Sukhpar resident, a village in Bhuj, leaving her bitter and bedridden as a paraplegic for the past decade. But she gave birth to a baby boy this week, considered a miracle given that she is paralyzed from the waist down.

“I feel truly complete with the birth of my child. The baby, like his father, has only brought happiness to me,” Jyoti said.

Jyoti had hit headlines some years ago with her love story which gave her the courage to fight the destiny prescribed by doctors. Her childhood sweetheart Jayesh started visiting her in hospital after was declared a paraplegic and even wrote inspiring letters to her. The years dragged on and Jyoti, who had barely learnt to sit, completed her schooling till class X. All this while, Jayesh, who got trained as a computer operator and tailor, had kept the stream of letters flowing.

In 2007, Jayesh finally proposed to her and Jyoti’s joy knew no bounds. She even started believing she could be well again and underwent more surgeries and rehabilitation to stand on her feet. Many tried to dissuade Jayesh from marrying a paraplegic, but he managed to convince them that he was doing the right thing. They got married in 2010.

Mukesh Doshi of Bidada Sarvodaya Trust and Jaya Rehabilitation Center where Jyoti undertaken treatment, says Jyoti delivering a child is the best news of 2011. “Few paraplegics are able to live a normal, married life and become mothers as losing sensation below the waist causes a lot of birth-related complications. Jyoti will give hope to other paraplegics not to give up, ever,” says Dr Doshi.

Proper Medical Aid And Daughter’s Love Help Anjar Resident Find Her Feet

AHMEDABAD: The earth may continue to shake but Maya does not flounder anymore. This 2001 quake victim has finally found her feet this Diwali as she started walking recently with the help of elbow crutches after ten long years, with her daughter – her only solace – by her side. “I am walking on my own feet after a decade. Holding my little daughter’s hands, I believe I will be able to stand on my feet and show the world I can,” says Maya Solanki who resides in Anjar, Kutch. On Thursday, a 5.3 tremor shook Gujarat again but the 33-year-old says she has forgotten how to be afraid anymore!

Maya is a living testimonial of how sheer human will can help a person overcome tragedy and adversity.

Maya was pregnant when the wall of her house collapsed on her on a fateful January 26, 2011. She was paralysed chest down. Surgery was performed on her but that did not help.

Miraculously, her foetus was safe and two months later she gave birth to a baby girl, Chetna . But her husband abandoned her immediately after saying he was not ready to shoulder the burden of a crippled wife and daughter. Maya’s world collapsed on her once again.

Forced to live with her poor parents, Maya would drag herself sitting on the feet and raised her daughter with the help of her mother for four years. Then she was forced to move out to facilitate the marriage of her brother. “I rented a hut and sustained alone on the monthly Rs 500 relief money. Thrice, I decided to kill myself but was thwarted every time I thought about my daughter,” confesses Maya.

In May this year, Maya, prodded by her daughter who is 11 now, went to Bidada Sarvodaya Trust. “Burdened by poverty, Maya never sought and got good medical help. We treated her holistically, gave her half calipers and now she is able to walk slowly. She will improve further ,” says Dr Mukesh Doshi of the trust.

The trust also pays for her daughter’s school fee, has put Rs 10,000 in fixed deposit and bought her a sewing machine. “I met a couple of businessmen for orders. I hope to earn well. My struggle would be worth it if I am able to educate my daughter well,” says Maya.

Story of Esther Lekha

I feel very happy, I am going back to Pune on 3rd August 2011 and I will come back after a month to continue my Rehabilitation. My heartfelt thanks to the rehab team, Trust board and donors.
– Esther Lekha

She arrived at the Jaya Rehabilitation Institute and Research Center, Bidada, Mandvi Kutch, Gujarat on 12th may 2011 for rehabilitation.

When she arrived she was bound to her wheel chair and was only able to walk a few steps with a walker. After 2 months of Rehabilitation she is now able to walk with a pair of elbow crutches for more than half kilometer daily. She is independent in all her daily living activities.

The unique Jaya Rehabilitation Institute & research center has various departments which specialize in Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Orthotics, Prosthetics, Vocational Training, and Speech & audiology. The facility provides modern accommodations with all the necessary amenities for its patients and relatives. It also provides free of cost treatment the less fortunate people of India.