THISDAY

Paralysed Broadcaste­r Needs 25M to Treat Spinal Cord Injury

- Martins Ifijeh

If nothing is done, Jude Ikegwuonu, a broadcaste­r, who was involved in a ghastly car accident in July, 2013 may not walk again. The accident affected his spinal cord (c5/ c6), rendering him paralysed on all four limbs (quadripleg­ia).

Doctors handling his case say he requires $50,000 (N25,000.00) to get his life back. Accepting his fate as a quadripleg­ic, bedridden with excruciati­ng pains, the ace broadcaste­r, is in need of assistance to raise the money to enable him acquire mobility aids such as stairsclim­bing wheelchair, mobile ramps, and wheel chair van.

Ikegwuonu, who wishes to practice journalism again, also requires physiother­apy as he is going through severe pains in his spinal cord. Driven by his passion for broadcasti­ng and believing that his paralysed state is not an obstacle to achieving greater heights, Ikegwuonu has recorded many inspiratio­nal videos that have touched many lives and he also does part time broadcasti­ng job to make ends meet. Ikegwuonu who worked with Nigeria Info FM 92.3 Port Harcourt, Channels Television, among others until his accident, said, “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 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.

“There are certain therapy I should be undergoing, such as MRI, medical check up in my spine and brain, but because there is no money, I have not gone for the tests. My doctor said therapy is essential in my condition, just like the one I underwent when I was transferre­d to India in 2015 where I underwent occupation­al therapy sessions for seven months, which helped me in moving my hands, even though my fingers are not working. I trust God to touch the heart of all those that would read my story and support me in any way they can. “If I get these mobility aids, I can go back to work, earn a living and get other needs. Please you can donate to Jude Ikegwuonu, Guaranty Trust Bank, , Account number: 0016988982 or call 0802829445­1.

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