The most recurring question we race in our life is, “who are you?” For the longest time, I would avoid, hide and squirm from the mental stress of trying to answer.
I could just give my name, age and educational status and be done with it. But there was a deeper issue. For a person like me whose life has been dictated by my doomful deformity, and for the most part has been annihilated because of it, I saw no point in answering. My words could never be enough to make “the small girl with a deformed back” they have already engraved in their minds be seen as something else.
I am not trying to convince you of my value. I want to point out that the works done by the countless good people literally give second chances in life for many of us who gravely seek it.
My name is Zinash, I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; within a big and loving family of two exceptional parents and 6 kids. I was the youngest. I had as great a life as any kid could, my biggest concerns being doing my homework and what I was going to play the day after. However, all started to change after age 7 when I had a protruding bulge forming in my back.
As the years went by, my parents concern only grew. And multiple doctors we consulted said “there is nothing we can do.” A referral abroad was ignored because our financial condition made it impossible.
In desperation, my parents turned to other means of cure. In second grade, my teacher asked me to bring my parents. I was so scared, thinking I was in trouble. Actually it was to inform my dad of a traditional medicine that would be helpful in reducing the deformity. Soon after, a substance was brought and applied religiously on way back day and night like a lotion. Although it was to no avail, it was the first seemingly hopeful news they had heard in a long time, so they pushed on with the traditional way.
We heard of a witch doctor who was performing miracles. So off me and my mom went to the countryside, in search of a cure. I don't remember much from that journey as I was still a little girl. Except of course, for the vivid pain as he cut and poked at my back. I now assume he thought I had some sort of a tumor that he had to drain. I was left with scars; I now consider them tattoos with better stories.
After this, my parents gave up and I did too. I was passing through life, waiting for my inevitable death; school felt pointless. Classmates made it unbearable with their ruthless jokes. My lungs were being crushed. People in the street would point, bite their lips and look at me with pitiful eyes which made going out dreadful. I was deeply envious of my peers’ carefree way of life. The only thing that kept me going were my parents love, and hope that God would one day hear our prayers.
But people don’t enter your life by accident. I am a living testament to that. After high school, I came in contact with a random girl on a bus. She was friendly and stated how she also had scoliosis but was later treated. I could hardly believe her since I could hardly see any proof on her features. And what’s even harder to believe is there exists a treatment that could do just that. She was kind enough to give the address and phone number where the supposed doctor practiced.
Immediately I went home and announced my big fortune to my family. My family was doubtful, and advised me not to get my hopes up. I understood their fear about false hopes.
When I got to Mother Teresa’s Mission, I saw a long line of patients with the same conditions as me, some worse than others. For the first time in my life, I no longer felt like an alien.
Zinash’s CT Scan Before Surgery
Zinash’s X-ray After Surgery
And so I patiently waited to meet the person that would make it possible for me to change my life, as he had for many others. It was well worth it. From the moment I entered, I was greeted warmly, and treated with so much humility.
Dr. Rick was more than a doctor who sought cure for physical deformity .His fatherly consoling, encouragement and support also helped healed the psychological burden and trauma we faced. It is these qualities - and much more I can’t quite put into words - that made the 5 years of relentless wait and checkups bearable. And the understanding that there were people who had it worse than me. So I was happy. I was happy to wait.
At the end of the 5th year that I finally met another doctor that soon would change my life, Dr. Boachie. Shortly after, I was called and told to prepare my passport and get testing done cause I was finally, finally going to get the treatment!
In 1 week time, everything was ready and I was flown by Dr. Rick and the JDC spine team to Ghana where I spent over 9 months in traction, in the wonderful facility of FOCOS Hospital. Even after the two surgeries, it still felt surreal!
I am now reborn. Second to God who has answered my prayers it’s Dr. Rick and the people behind him that breath the life back into me.
Like the Phoenix, I rose from the ashes of all detrimental thoughts, insecurities, depression, which all burned away on the surgical table, to a strong and Independent woman who vowed to live my life with purpose.
I vowed to make my parents, doctors and donors proud. I no longer dwell on the difference between me and my peers or feel the need to hide myself in multiple layers of clothing. I walk tall, i am confident and comfortable. My happiest moments are when I randomly meet old classmates and they hardly recognize me. I have continued my studies and am on the way to acquire my degree in accounting.
No word would be enough to express the gratitude I have for Dr Rick. He has literally removed me from the grave. And made me this person that I am today. I can’t forget the life lessons that has taught us upon our return from the surgery. And I hold those words dear to my heart, as they have guided me through every decision that I have made afterwards.
All this was made possible by the magnificent work done by Dr Rick, Doctor Boachie, the JDC spine team, and of course, the donors. What I now can do is thank you all and pray to God he blesses everyone who was involved so they shine the light for many to come.
Still, I don’t believe anyone else should wait half a decade to get life-saving treatment. Everyone reading this knows a they can play a role in the life-saving process, whether by time, money, or skill.
I thank you for taking the time to read this.