Not too long ago, a broadcaster, Jude Ikegwuonu, was involved in a ghastly car accident that affected his spinal cord. And till date, he has been paralysed in all four limbs. He needs $50,000 for treatment to get on with his life.
Accepting his fate as a quadriplegic, Ikegwuonu has remained bedridden, with excruciating pains, and needs the support of Nigerians and the larger world to raise the money to enable him acquire mobility aids, which include a stairs-climbing wheelchair, mobile ramps, and wheelchair van.
Ikegwuonu hopes to get back to work and become the first Nigerian quadriplegic broadcaster in history. He needs to undergo physiotherapy as he is experiencing severe pain in his spinal cord.
The patient said his caregivers carry him around whenever he is invited as a guest speaker on various inspirational and motivational platforms, noting that he has spent over N20 million to see himself through to this stage. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation to his family.
Driven by his passion for broadcasting and believing that his paralysed state was not an obstacle to achieving greater heights, Ikegwuonu has recorded many inspirational videos that have touched many lives.
Until his accident, he worked with Nigeria Info FM 92.3 Port Harcourt and Channels Television, among others.
“I need the support of Nigerians to enable me live a productive life again. I don’t believe that I cannot function even in this condition. I don’t see myself as not being able to make impact in life. I believe that, even in my condition, I still have the ability to function optimally like every other person, touch lives and make impact in the society.
“My doctor says therapies are very essential in my condition, just like the ones I underwent when I was transferred to India in 2015 where I underwent physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions for seven months. Those helped me in moving my hands to some degree, even though my fingers are not working. I am experiencing lots of pains and I trust God to touch the hearts of all those that would read my story and support me in any way they can.
“If I get these mobility aids, I would go back to work immediately, earn a living and meet other needs, even in my paralysed state. This is not a time to depend on others for survival, especially in this economic situation.
Very optimistic, he said: “I want to be in the Guinness Book of Records as the first quadriplegic broadcaster in the world. To achieve this, I need mobility aids to be able to function.”
• Please you can donate to Jude Ikegwuonu through Guaranty Trust Bank, Account number: 0016988982, or call 08028294451.