Milika Galo at her home in Malolo Village in Nadi on March 9, 2018. Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa
Ms Galo wakes up every day at 5am, does her devotion before making breakfast and preparing her child for school.
Ten years ago, Milika Galo of Malolo Village in Nadi had both her legs amputated after being diagnosed with diabetes.
The 50-year-old has turned her disability into strength – by running her own small business from the comfort of her home with her husband and only child.
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She moves around using her hands or with the help of a wheelchair.
“Before I used to go out fishing and fetch for crabs from the nearby mangrove swamps and sell on the roadside which used to be our family’s source of income,” she added.
Ms Galo wakes up every day at 5am, does her devotion before making breakfast and preparing her child for school.
“I am just running a small business at home to help my husband who is a farmer, I sell grog and a few basic food items which I can earn around $80 a week which is enough for us,” she added.
Ms Galo said people in her condition shouldn’t give up hope.
“The first few days when I lost both my legs, it was hard for me, because a lot of negative thoughts clouded my mind but then I left all that behind and moved on with life,” she added.
Ms Galo has advised young people to live a healthy lifestyle.
“My advice to young people is to eat healthily and exercise, they should cut down on eating junk,” she said.
Ms Galo said one of the major challenges she faced was moving around during natural disasters.
“It is hard for me to move around during natural disasters because of my situation, but I want to thank my husband and relatives for always making sure I am moved to a place during natural disasters,” she added.
Edited by Mohammed Zulfikar
