|
 Ashik is a polite nine year old boy with an innocent look. He loves to play with his many friends and attend school with his peers. He is the oldest of three siblings in a very poor family where his father is a tenant farmer. Though they have little material wealth, the family is full of love for one another. Sadly, their love could not prevent the tragedy that befell Ashik last spring.
Ashik and his father were going to market on a bicycle, Ashik on the rear carrier, which is used to transport bags of rice, chickens and other goods. The road to market was very narrow and could only accommodate one vehicle. As they were peddling along, an oncoming car began to pass their bicycle. Ashik’s father tried his best to stabilize the bike but Ashik’s leg, sticking out from the carrier, was caught by the bumper of the car. He was thrown off the bicycle and dragged by the car for 50 yards. His body was badly injured and covered with blood. He was rushed to a hospital, but it was too late to save his leg. It had to be amputated.
 Ashik and his family were devastated by the accident. Ashik felt helpless as he stood by his window and watched his friends play in the fields. He also felt guilty because he could no longer walk to school; his parents had to bring him on their bicycle, which forced them to work fewer hours. His mother wished she could give him one of her legs, but knew she could not – she felt completely powerless over the situation.
By chance, the family heard about the POF Nalta Hospital Prosthetics and Orthotics Center. They traveled to the hospital with hopes that their son would walk again. Dr. Haque, the head of prosthetics and orthotics, heard their story and wanted to make their hopes a reality. He invited them to stay at the hospital so he could fit Ashik with a new leg.
Ashik is now able to walk again! On his first day with his new limb, Ashik was so excited that he was ready to run; Dr. Haque encouraged him to practice walking first!
Go to POF's Bangladesh "Home Page".
|
