Joy Ndirangu: I rose above my fears after my legs were amputated

April the 16th, 2019 is a day Joy Faith Ndirangu wishes to forget but rather recalls its piercing memories. 

As joy and her friends walked home from a group discussion in preparation for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams, a truck ran them over, leaving Joy in a trench by the side of the road. 

Her friends eventually got her out of the trench and seeing she was injured, took action by seeking help from passers-by to help rush joy to the hospital for treatment.

On arrival at the Naivasha District Hospital in Nakuru County, Joy got admitted. Her parents were notified and arrived at the hospital in no time.

‘‘I remember my mum came to the hospital and her only concern was to know if I was alive,’’ said Joy.

Doctors told her parents that their daughter's legs had to be amputated for her to survive because she had lost too much blood.

‘‘I could hear the doctors talk about amputating my legs. I was worried. I wondered if there was an alternative. But that was not the case. The doctors advised that we proceed with the amputation," she added.

The next day after surgery Joy could no longer feel her limbs. Saddened by this, Joy turned her anger on her parents. 

‘‘I tried lifting my legs but I couldn’t feel them anymore. I was so angry at my parents. I felt like they lied to me. Why would they let doctors amputate my limbs?’’ She pondered.

"I was denial and misery. I wondered how I would resume my normal duties without my limbs. I could no longer shower by myself. Honestly, I found it embarrassing," she told Citizen Digital.

Nonetheless, her parents assured  her that she will be okay and slowly introduced the option of acquiring prosthetics.

Four years later, Joy was back in the pool! She joined the Kenya School of Law (KSL) swimming club, where she embarked on a journey to become a para swimmer. She has since taken it up as a profession and competes in various categories.

"My swimming coach Leland Salano encouraged me to participate in a swimming gala competition at Makini School in Nairobi. Two weeks ago, I participated in my first ever competition and I won two medals," a jubilant Joy said.

She displayed her medals that she won in the 50-metre freestyle and breast stroke competitions. "It was an affirmation for me that I can do it!” She said.

Joy’s swimming coach Leland Salano from Castle Sports and Events has urged persons living with disabilities to join the para swimming bandwagon.

"I am ready to train more para swimmers as we keep advocating for para swimmers to be included in more competitions," he added.

As for Joy, her dream of a podium finish at the Paralympics is no longer a fantasy!