Iarapborlang Chyne- From a state of total disability to a shining example of strength and ability.
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Iarapborlang Chyne was 29 years old when he was tragically electrocuted while working on household wiring in the year 2018. He miraculously survived. But In an attempt to save his life , doctors had to make the difficult decision to amputate all his limbs because of the severity of his burn injuries .
The surgery was a success and his life was spared. Although he was grateful that he survived, the realization that he could no longer do anything independently struck him like a concrete wall — he was alive, but at what price?
He had lost his mobility and his sense of independence. For the following two months, he was confined to the hospital bed. He was incapacitated and helpless. Words could not describe the agony that he felt physically and emotionally, for life as he knew it had come to an abrupt halt. “Who will provide for the family now?” , he would lament.
Once a daily wager, his future now lay ambiguous and uncertain. He was haunted by thoughts of becoming a destitute cripple forever. He believed that he would forever pose a burden to his family. From that point, it was a downward spiral- he would waste away slowly, little by little everyday.
Yet, through out his suffering, he still believed in God. His family was also his unwavering support. His mother never left his side and encouraged him to press on to the hope that things will gradually improve, despite his present predicament and suffering. At the hospital, he met Dr. Lahun, the Physical Medicine doctor. She helped him tremendously with his physical rehabilitation. But she was also a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Although the journey to recovery was challenging, she always motivated Iarap to believe in himself and to never lose hope.
With the help of Dr. Lahun, he was able to procure prosthetic legs. When he received them, hope was ignited with the possibility of him being able to walk again in the future. He was determined and travelled to Guwahati, where he was trained to use his prosthetic limbs.
“Success is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration”-Thomas Edison.
Iarap’s grit and determination pushed him to work through the discomfort of each day until he was able to walk again. Despite everything that Iarap had to endure- the pain of losing his arms and legs and the pain of learning to walk again using prostheses, he is now rehabilitating and reintegrating himself into a lifestyle where he is regaining his empowerment and independence as a person with a major disability.
Six years after the accident, Iarap is now 34 years old. He lives on a steep slope, yet is able to seamlessly walk about using his prosthetic legs. He has also learned to use his prosthetic arms though he prefers to manage without them! He has a full time job and is the sole bread winner of his family. He has also procured a disability certificate and a UDID card.
Iarap’s determination and will power led him to accomplish an incredible feat. But he dreams to soar even higher. He aspires to run and to train as a para athlete. The only setback to reaching that dream is a lack of financial support to procure runner blades- artificial limbs that are especially designed for amputees to run. Iarap has overcome many hurdles and has succeeded thus far. Therefore, there is no doubt that he will accomplish his dream of competing in the paralympic games, if the opportunity will present itself.
Iarap’s story is one of inspiration, hope, beating the odds and unwavering faith. We hope that he continues to live with the indomitable spirit of unwavering strength. May he continue to challenge himself to transform his limitations into boundless possibilities. May his story inspired you to believe that life does not end with the limitations set by disability or illness .
“Concentrate on things your disability doesn't prevent you doing well, and don't regret the things it interferes with. Don't be disabled in spirit, as well as physically,"- Stephen Hawking (world renowned physicist, person paralyzed from motor disability)
Help us raise funds for Iarapbor's blades. Feel free to contact us through any of the following means :
Call/ Whatsapp: 70852-35036 / 0364-3500264
Email: info@pmrcentre.com
Address : PMR Centre, Thranghok Rangad Road, Laban, Shillong
Kindly click on the Youtube Link to have a view of Iarap :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p8TlYKJdpw
Written by Karen Lyndem, Social Worker, PMR Centre