Venicio’s Story: From Paralysis to Graces

On Nov 7, 2016, Venicio, 52 year old, father of seven, and repairs shoes for a living, was devastated when he lost his sensation on both his legs and was not able to stand. When I saw him at the emergency room, both his legs were paralyzed. Unfortunately, he has a rare disease - Guillain-Barre Syndrome. He needed a very expensive medication, intravenous immunoglobulin, that is not available locally. We had to order it from the neighboring island. His disease was spreading too fast and the medications were not yet available such that his diaphragm was affected pushing him into respiratory distress requiring him to be hooked to a lung machine and has to be transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

It was a three-month struggle for Venicio. But slowly, day by day, he persevered to regain what he has lost. He pushed himself beyond the prescribed exercises.

So he could feel his legs again.

So he could dangle his legs again.

So he could stand again.

So he could walk again.

So could play with his grand children.

His children has been scraping money for his hospital bills. They have exhausted their means and has already sought financial assistance from different organizations. But the hospital bill is still unpaid and Venicio is still in the male ward. He is praying and is looking forward to that day when he could happily WALK out of the hospital. Let us help to see him step out of the hospital into a brand new life.