Life made easier for armless Thomas

The wheelchair was donated by corporate sponsors of the Islamic Broadcasting Network (IBN), and talk show host, Inshan Ishmael ,who is also chairman of the Muslim Social and Cultural Foundation.

The presentation was made to Thomas on Saturday evening by Ishmael who journeyed to Thomas’ Chester Street, Debe home, shortly after 5pm. The wheelchair was shipped from Miami, USA . Thomas at birth, was given a 50-50 chance of survival by doctors. However, he has since grown to be a teenager. However, being a teenager he was diagnosed with scoliosis which results in the abnormal curvature of his spine.

Thomas has been able to use one limb to help himself, use his laptop, and eat meals. He would also use his limb to operate the remote for the wheelchair, which will help increase his mobility.

Thomas’s condition has also affected his development. His growth is now stunted and he also has speech impairment problems.

Prior to receiving the motorized wheelchair Thomas used a plastic chair to move himself around the house.

Speaking to Newsday, Thomas’ mother, Oumatie Seepersad-Baboolal, 47, said she was grateful for the help that came pouring in for Thomas. “I am so thankful to Mr Ishmael, this wheelchair really changed Thomas’ life, and words cannot express how I am feeling. He can now move around which is the most important thing, and Thomas is really excited. He has already started to use the wheelchair. He is so happy. He always wanted a chair like that, because he saw it on televison, and now he has got it,” the mother said. She said Thomas was shown how to use the lever, and quickly began moving around.

Seepersad- Baboolal said that Thomas has never attended school, and his education has become her sole responsibility, with some help from other relatives.

Speaking to Newsday, Ishmael said the purchase of the wheelchair was made possible through corporate sponsors on his television programme. “I held him and put him on the wheelchair. You know, when you hold a child who has no arms and he cannot hold you back, or hug you, or grab you, it does something to you.”Ishmael said.

He said seeing Thomas, gives you an appreciation for the little you may have. “I believe in making a difference in someone else’s life, and I was happy to see Thomas so happy, ”Ishmael said.

The wheelchair he said cost $18,000, but because of a partnership with shipping company Laparkan, and Wheels Plus, they were able to acquire the wheelchair at a cost of $6,000.