As part of their on-going support for the Jaipur Limb the Club has supported a Limb Camp in Kerala, India.
The Rotary Jaipur Limb UK camp at Quilon was inaugurated by J. Mercykutty Amm Government of Kerala Minister for Fisheries, Harbour Engineering and Cashew Industry, Government of Kerala. She is a member of Quilon Constituency where the camp was organised.
President of Rotary Quilon West End, Rtn Chandran, Past District Governors K P Ramachandran and PDG Dr George and many others from District attended the function. Rtn Chandran hosted the camp at his home which has a large parking area . He and his family assisted patients by providing free food and coffee whenever needed . The members of the Rotary club and their family joined Chandran’s family in looking after the patients. This is the first camp to be held at a residential home. The Limb Camp provided 152 artificial limbs with 49 patients having them fitted above the knee.
The author of this report told the story of a client of the Limb camp. “I met a woman of 38 years old sitting in a chair watching us speaking during the limb camp and noted that she was using crutches. Smitha told us that she came from Kottayam and travelled three hours with her husband to reach the camp. Rotary President Chandran and his family welcomed them as if they were members of his family. She and her partner have three children and all are students at school. The blood vessel to her leg had become blocked and her legs were amputated.”
Sunil her husband continued “I work as a painter and for the treatment of my wife, we had to sell our property and now we live in a rented house. Is there any possibility of getting a home as we understand Rotary is providing homes for people who lost home in flooding.” I told them that Rotary provides homes only to people who lost home in flooding. But I asked the club that forwarded them to the camp to assist this family.
Smitha and her husband were told about Rotary Jaipur Limb UK and how Rotary clubs and Gift Aid is helping to provide artificial limbs. She said “I can not find exact words to express thanks to them. God sent them to save my life. Last month I used to light oil lamps in our temple and I used to pray to Lord to get my artificial limbs . My life was miserable. Now I can walk without anyone’s help – mobility is most important.” When Smitha received her limbs the smile on her face expressed her gratitude to everyone from Rotary Jaipur Limb UK.