Abby’s dream

Thursday October 23, 2008

Lifestyle

Abby’s dream
Wheel Power: By Anthony Thanasayan

A young lady with muscular dystrophy shows her amazing zest for life.

WITH the Festival of Lights around the corner, I was delighted to receive a touching e-mail from Janarthani Arumugam, local councillor for the Kuala Langat District in Selangor.

She writes: “I agree with you that much needs to be done for people with disabilities whom I regard as people with plenty of potential and abilities. A fine example is my newfound friend U. Nyanambigai, or Abby, as she is affectionately known.”

Abby, 24, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was a child. Her sister Meghala, 22, and brother, Gopi, 20, too have muscular dystrophy.

Muscular dystrophy is a serious condition in which the muscles become progressively weak. Their parents are non-disabled.

The family live in a dilapidated house. Abby and her siblings sleep on a large wooden platform. Because of their weak backs, they often lie on their sides.

“It was their need for special wheelchairs to help them live a little more independently that I got to meet Abby and her siblings,” says Janarthani.

Gopi is the only one with some income. He issues receipts at the local temple, and earns about RM300 a month. Abby was recently nominated for the Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008 by the Asian Youth Ambassadors (AYA) based in Subang Jaya, Selangor.

“I nominated this inspiring individual for her amazing willpower and tenacity to live an independent life,” says Janarthani. “Abby managed to get an education despite the debilitating circumstances surrounding her.”

Janarthani went on to explain how Abby enlisted the help of a neighbour who owned a van to send Meghala and Gopi to school.

Abby managed to get an internship in the local Waterworks Department during the last semester of her studies. Her mother wheels Abby to the office and back.

The office is located 1km from their home. The trip is made more difficult by the wheelchair’s worn-out wheels and the terrible road condition.

“Her office is also not very disabled friendly,” says Janarthani.

Abby has to wait till she gets home to use the bathroom every day.

“Such conditions can demoralise any young person. Despite this, Abby perseveres which is what I find most admirable about her.”

Abby is passionate about art and computer graphics. Her dream is to study art and design to become independent and support her siblings and parents.

Among Abby’s Deepavali wishes are:

To have suitable wheelchairs and medical cushions for herself and her siblings.

To get a scholarship for further studies.

To get the highest votes via SMS for AYA’s Most Outstanding Youth of the Year Award 2008

To support Abby, please type: AYAY5. Then send it to 36828.

Each SMS will be charged 80 sen. All votes must be submitted before 11.59pm on Nov 2.

For more information, please call Janarthani (016-436 2301).