However, on May 7th 2006, a tragic vehicular accident took place that suddenly changed my life forever.....
Little did I know it would be the last few moments of living a normal life...
Since the accident I have been diagnosed as'paraplegia 2 thoracic cord injury' which means I am paralysed. I have no feelings from my chest downward. All the local doctors who treated me made it clear I would never be able to regain use of my lower limbs.Everything has changed, I was so comfortable being independant and taking charge of my own life just at the age of 23. Now I have to depend on my mother for everthing.
However, they failed to mention there was an option. After months of researching I came across the Stem Cell Treatment done in China which had some hope of enabling me to walk again.
This immediatley gave me hope and I felt like I was myself again. I was full of life. I was positive, I never gave up and never accepted the fact that I wouldn't be able to walk again and not being able to have the life that I worked so hard to achieve.
I was about to fight, fight to get my life back. I researched some more about Stem Cells and contacted the doctors ther who reviewed my case, all the possibilities of walking again now became a reality.
But ....... there was still one delimma.
The cost of the surgery was US $50,000 and I felt like I reached a dead end again. But I had hope.With the help of my friends and family we formed a fundraising committee called'Friends Of Diana Jaipaul' and we were determined to raise the funds. We held two fund raising events, a Bar B Que(Sep 1st 07) and a Dinner & Cultural Show(Sep 14th 07) and with the help of many well wishers and comapanies who donated fnds in aid of the surgery, we indeed achieved our goals. I thank God everyday for the overwhelming support I received.
Wow! What an experience this has been . I have learned so much, I have met so many people who impacted my life even more, and at this stage I have still been able to inspire others with my strength and determination. I believe with faith, hope and trust in God I can overcome anything.
I am now scheduled to go to China on November 4th 2007, to undergo surgery to be able to walk again. This is the start of phase two of my life, I know I still have along way to full recovery but I know that the power of the human mind is so great that whatever you believe in, it will become a reality, it's just a matter of time.........