Life takes new turn for man living with disability

LIFE has taken a turn for Misim Jack since his picture and story appeared in this newspaper last week.
The 34-year-old, who has been carried around all his life because of a condition, had his disability assessed by the National Orthopedic Prosthetic Services (NOPS) in Lae yesterday.
National Association of Disable People (NADP) Australian volunteer Richard Scott said there were chances to help Jack, depending on the outcome of the assessment.                                                                                                                                
“He requires our services. After having been contacted, he is going through an assessment this morning in Lae,” Scott said yesterday.                                                                       
He said NADP patron Linda Babao was moved after reading Jack’s story and called for immediate assistance for him.
“We are pushing for this man to get the best treatment possible,” Scott said.                                                                               
He said another group, Motivation Australia, that carried out a similar mission for NADP, could also help in Jack’s case as its representatives were in Lae conducting training for rele­vant agencies and individuals who were dealing with disabled people.                                                                                                                          
Scott said that Jack’s story
was sad and there could be more such unfortunate people in othe­r parts of the country who had
yet to receive help.
Jack was born a normal, healthy baby but his growth and physical development were affected when he was struck by a rare body disease when he was just three months old.
From Yamap village in Salamaua, Morobe, Jack has spent most of his life in a bilum tugged around and minded by relatives.
His visit to Lae last week was the first time he had left his village and home.