My Story:

“My name is Madalitso Patrick and I am a 27 years old. I have faced so many challenges when growing up, particularly due to my disability. I was born without a left limb, and throughout my life, I have had to confront the hurdles and limitations that this condition has placed upon me. Life was extremely hard more especially when I started realizing that I was born different. I used to cry a lot and at times spent lonely life due to the fact that I have no leg. 

When I reached 4th grade some well-wishers offered me crutches which I was using up to high school level. Using crutches was not the best solution as it limited me from doing some sporting activities. In addition, the crutches were bringing lots of pain both in my armpits and palms especially during summer. Because of heat blisters were developing in all my palms which made it hard for me to go to school.  However, even though I was passing through this tough time l managed to complete my primary school and I was selected to go to high school. 

When I reached high school it was a worst experience for me as I needed someone to go and receive food for me, cleaning my room and even washing for me. I desired to be more independent, but the situation was hard to bear and could not allow me.  Sometimes l could fall down especially during rainy season because my crutches were sometimes going deep under the soil.  At high school level l received my first artificial leg from well-wishers. This was a relief to me because I started doing things like any other person could. The only problem is that l was limited to do sporting activities because l cannot run with and walk fast as the leg has no cushion inside and can break if given much pressure. 

I hardly walk for a long distance or stand for a long time because I feel pain inside my leg and after using it I feel itching around the leg and made me scratch it as a result blood comes out around it and some sores develops. This is affecting me a lot as I am robed of my freedom to walk just because of blisters. My other fear is that teaching requires me to stand a lot in class and this will be hard for me if I do not get access to a better prosthesis.  

A better prosthesis will be a huge help to me considering my career as a teacher. Better leg will enable me to be able to stand in front of students for long time, be able to do different activities with children like volleyball, basketball and tennis. Above all, I will be more independent and strong to engage in various activities that will help to bring food on my table.  

Thank you very much as you work tirelessly to help me get a better prosthetic which I have been admiring and praying for a long time. May God richly bless you and everyone who is supporting this cause.”