Assistive Device support to 1000 Disabled Persons

Dear Donors, Friends and Well Wishers,

Greetings from BPA India!!

We are delighted to share a very impactful activity progress report with you. We have received excellent responses and feedback from the people with disabilities who received assistive devices under the GlobalGiving Assistive Devices Project. In the previous reporting period, 78 people with disabilities were supported by providing different types of persons with disabilities. 

During the project reporting period, the field functionaries visited villages to identify people with disabilities who require artificial limbs. During the identification of people with disabilities in remote areas of Banaskantha district in Gujarat State, India, it was found that diabetes was one of the reasons for amputation. Gujarat is now the capital of diabetes, people who live in rural areas and are above 50 years of age are not aware of diabetes and do not go for regular check-ups for diabetes. They work on the farm and get injured due to labour work on the farm, they don't take this injury seriously until it turns into Gagarin, and becomes infectious, and amputation is a must for that.  We have been getting requests from rural areas for more camps for artificial limbs. We had one camp in the Banaskantha district adjoining Rajasthan State. 27 people lost their limbs due to diabetes, other diseases or accidents. 

We wish to introduce you to a new inspiring young lady and how your support brings tangible change in people's lives. Ramesh is a young man from a poor family, who lives in a small house with his parents and 3 sisters. Due to the father's old age, he cannot work. Ramesh was responsible for running the house. Ramesh used to support his family by selling incense sticks on the train. His dream was to have his small shop and make incense sticks at home. He worked hard day and night and kept the family very happy. But something else was written in his fate. One day a very bad accident happened to him. While getting off the train, both of his legs got caught under the train wheels, and both legs had to be amputated. When he regained consciousness, he saw that both legs were missing. He became confused and depressed for some time. The biggest question was how the household will survive from tomorrow. He cried a lot and remained depressed for many days. One day he was approached by the project team about the artificial leg. At first, he was not ready to wear the artificial leg. He was given information about the artificial leg, and what it would do for him. Measurement of both legs was done in the camp, and he was advised to wear the latest technology and high-quality carbon foot artificial limbs. He was shown pictures of artificial limbs and a video. He gained confidence back. He received artificial limbs and was very happy to stand again on his feet after 8 months. He walked with confidence and climbed the stairs. He didn't feel that his legs were imputed. He said I will be back in my life with full confidence. He started his business again and helped his family.

We are very thankful to each donor who believed in our work and supported us in reaching out to the unreached. We have received a request from Bawari Block of Rajasthan for 30 people with disabilities waiting for artificial limbs. We request you to share this report and story of change with your friends and family members and motivate them to join this cause. 

Looking forward to your support and cooperation. 

Links:

• official website