Paralysed journalist needs help to get back to his feet

Ace broadcaster, Jude Ikegwuonu, was involved in a car accident on July 4, 2013, which affected his spinal cord (C5/C6) and has been paralysed on all four limbs (quadriplegia) till date.

“… After the accident, we tried three different hospitals in Abuja, each giving us different reasons they couldn’t handle my case. Then, we tried the fourth, Wellenton hospital, it was God sent. They agreed to admit me, though we had to deposit N1.8 million first,” he told The Guardian.

Ikegwuonu narrated his ordeal to The Guardian: “Medical examinations were speedily carried out and I was immediately moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). On the 8th of July, Gardner Wells Facilitated Skull and Reduction of Bilateral jumped facets was carried out on my C5/6 under general Anesthesia of course, after which an Anterior Cervical Decompression and Instrumented Fusion (C5/C6) with iliac crest bone graft and one level plate and screws was followed. Early the next day, a Tracheostomy tube was fixed to help improve my breathing. After about a month in Wellington, I was referred to Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). Spent some weeks there and was wean off the Tracheostomy tube. Finally, I was free to go home.

“ I became quadriplegic. From the point of the accident, I became paralysed from chest down and have been engaged in serious physiotherapy till date.
In March 2015, I was flown to India for a seven-month intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy programme. So far, there’s been progress, although my fingers and legs are yet to pick up, not to mention bowel and bladder control.

“According to my doctor’s recent report and medical advise, my health is stable and I need to go back to work as soon as possible, to help improve my physical and psychological state.

“The last time I checked, the stair-climbing wheelchair alone cost about US$16,000 including shipping costs, not to mention the cost of mobile ramps which goes for about US$3,000 .”

Meanwhile, I trust God to provide helpers to support me in achieving this huge feat of buying these mobility aids and get my life fully back on track.”

*Jude Ikegwuonu could be reached on Twitter: @judeikegwuonu Instagram: @judeikegwuonu Email:judeikegwuonu@gmail.com Tel: +234 802 8294451,
+234 803 3710933.