60,000th wheelchair Bali

Ketut is 10 years old. He lives in a small village in the hills above North Bali and is one of four children in his family. Born prematurely and weighing only 1kg at birth, Ketut spent the first two months of his life in hospital, much of it in an incubator. For the first five years of his life, he was virtually bedridden, unable to even sit up on his own.

With sheer determination, physiotherapy and much encouragement from his parents, Ketut has found the strength to overcome many of his physical constraints. According to his parents, he was so determined to go to school, to study and to lead a normal life.

Ketut suffers a form of Cerebral palsy that affects his legs. He is unable to walk as a result and has some mild heart issues. He missed many years of school due to his condition. Once enrolled, Ketut’s father carried him to school every day on his back. Fortunately, they live just 300 meters from the village school.

Ketut has gotten bigger and much more difficult to carry, especially as father is getting older. The gift of his first wheelchair could not be better timed.

Despite his physical challenges, Ketut is as bright as a new penny! He loves going to school and is a fast learner. Missing those first years of school have not hindered him; he has already caught up with his class mates. Ketut receives so much support from his teachers and class mates. He has many wonderful and caring school friends. He is the only child at the school with disabilities, yet the school head makes every effort to accommodate any special needs he may have.

Ketut hopes to finish school, and go on to university. This is why mobility matters and how we can transform lives one wheelchair at a time.