Thanks to a new wheelchair, Rabi is able to move on her own for the first time.

JOS, Nigeria – For the first time in her life, Rabi is doing something all by herself.

The 35-year-old Nigerian woman, who was born crippled in both legs and also has a speech impediment, has spent most of her life dealing with rejection, isolation and depression due to her disabilities.

Her father left the family shortly after he discovered Rabi had been born crippled. Her mother later remarried, but was unable to care for her and left Rabi to be raised by her great-grandmother.

When her grandmother died a few years ago, Rabi was moved again to live with another relative. But the re-location forced her to leave the special school she had been attending for disabled children and adults as well as the friends she had there.

Rabi soon found herself living an isolated existence and her inability to move around on her own left the 35-year-old more depressed every day.

But an unexpected gift was about to make a dramatic difference in Rabi’s life.

Recently, in honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Operation Blessing conducted a medical mission in the city of Jos, Nigeria, where Rabi lives.

When OBI workers heard Rabi’s story, they selected her, along with several others, to receive a brand new wheelchair.

During the one-day medical mission, doctors treated more than 383 disabled men, women and children.

“Operation Blessing does what it can to reduce their life challenges because [the disabled] also have something to contribute to society,” said Felix Oisamoje, OBI’s regional director for West Africa.

Suddenly able to move on her own for the first time, Rabi was overjoyed as she waved and said, “Thank you,” to Operation Blessing staff.

Her guardian was so impressed by OBI’s gesture and Rabi’s newfound independence that she agreed to allow Rabi to resume going school the very next day.  After two years away from the Model Teaching School, Rabi was finally going to be with friends once more.

“Her tears have been wiped away by what you have done for her today,” said Rabi’s teacher.

In addition to the distribution of wheelchairs, Operation Blessing was able to help treat 383 disabled men, women, and children in Jos and provide relief such as hearing aids and insecticide-treated mosquito nets as part of this special day.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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