During my second-year physiotherapy placement at UBC in 2012/2013, I had the privilege of traveling to India with Hilary and SAMUHA. This experience was truly transformative. Working with children and staying at the Centre for Disabilities alongside dedicated staff and fellow health practitioners profoundly influenced my perspective on healthcare. It instilled in me the importance of gratitude and compassion as fundamental principles in both my personal and professional life.
There are so many unique experiences that I will never forget, but one little boy sticks out in my memory specifically. Little Chandra-Shakar was approximately 4 years old; I traveled by motorbike to his small village to help teach rehabilitation techniques to him and his family. He had sustained a significant upper-cervical injury, resulting in neck instability and a spinal cord injury. Due to limited access to regular surgical interventions and follow-ups, he had restricted use of his upper and lower extremities and spent most of his days sitting on the floor in his home with his mother. Despite these challenges, Chandra-Shakar’s unwavering joy and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. Over the course of my visits with him, I never once saw this child without a MASSIVE smile on his face. Chandra-Shakar always greeted me with the silliest smile and biggest enthusiasm; even though we didn’t speak the same language, he communicated his kindness and joy for life by eagerly participating in any rehabilitation games I provided and making incredible eye contact while we laughed and played.
I think Chandra-Shakar and his family taught me so much more than I felt I was able to teach them considering their circumstance and my young age, but we made progress together and tried to make rehabilitation fun. Candra-Shakar, his contagious joy, love of life, and commitment to rehabilitation he otherwise would not have received is one of the many reasons I would love to volunteer for this organization again in the future. – Jessica Willemse, PT, Ontario
