Wheelchair Gives Latu A New Leaseon Life

The 21st consignment worth $1.2 million was donated to the Spinal Injury Association Fiji which has more than 800 members.

Ms Latu of Vuma Village in Lev­uka, who is a member of the asso­ciation, was overjoyed as she took possession of her new wheelchair.

When she was six-months-old, Ms Latu was diagnosed with Poliomye­litis (polio) and ever since, she had to struggle with her daily chores and mobility handicap.

“Growing up, I was always car­ried to the hospital and I had been using crutches for several years,” she said.

“Sometimes my crutches broke and I struggled to get a new one.

“I got my first wheelchair in 2010 and I had used the previous one for about eight years which had to be fixed by technicians most of the time.

“I cannot express how happy I am to receive this new wheelchair, it is very comfortable when mov­ing around, especially for playing table tennis which is my favourite sport.”

The 63-year-old was thankful for the assistance provided by Physio­Net.

Walkers, wheelchairs and other equipment donated by PhysioNet to the Spinal Injury Association Fiji. Photo: Sheenal Charan

Donation

Spinal Injury Association Fiji project officer Jane Savou thanked the organisation for its continuous support and said more than 120 members would benefit from the consignment.

She said the donated items includ­ed wheelchairs, crutches, pads, medical pills, diapers, toys, uni­forms and books that would also help intellectual disabilities and children with disabilities.

“The consignment was a 40-foot container that had around $1.2 million worth of items,” Ms Savou said. “We had many requests com­ing every day for diabetes amputa­tion and stroke.

“We will do assessments depend­ing on physical impairment and environment and prioritise who needs urgent assistance.”

She also thanked Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation for sponsoring the freight cost.

Feedback: sheenal.charan@fijisun.com.fj