Chopped student gets prosthetic limb

In the morning, the Lower Six St Joseph Convent student was presented with the Sr Paul D’Ornellas medal which is given to the student who has faced extraordinary challenges in life.

Akong lost the lower part of her left leg in a chopping incident last July in which her sister Melissa was killed. Dexter Simon was committed to stand trial for murder and attempted murder.

"In order to have all this happening, my sister died," Akong said in a solemn tone after a media briefing at the Children’s Clinic, EWMSC, which was attended by Health Minister John Rahael.

Akong felt "great" having the prosthesis, saying the artificial limb felt like "the original" leg she lost, although there was no sensation. "I am glad I am able to walk now and I don’t have to depend on people so much. It has brought more independence."

Seven-year-old Joneal Sanders of the Princess Elizabeth Centre and 14-month-old Josiah Arthur were also presented to the media. Baby Josiah, born without hands and feet, was not wearing his prosthesis since adjustments had be made in the US before he is fitted. Drs Bob Drager and Russell Boone of Top Brace Limb (TBL), Houston, Texas, the Health Ministry and Missions International are collaborating to make prosthesis for hands and legs available to people in need.