Conditions Leading to Disability in Developing Countries

80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries — UNPD

 

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

Spinal Cord Injuries are caused by damage to the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal, which can result in permanent loss of sensation and mobility below the location of the injury.

Maleny, a 26-year-old teacher working her dream job at an elementary school in Peru, was diagnosed with a spinal cord injury after experiencing mysterious, agonizing pain.

A young woman in Peru who lost mobility to a spinal cord injury receives a wheelchair.

She was diagnosed with severe arteriovenous, a spinal cord injury caused by irregular connections between the arteries and veins around her spinal cord.

Due to the intense pain and inability to walk, Marleny was forced to quit her job. She lives with her mother and grandfather and only leaves the house for medical appointments using a pair of crutches.

But that isn't the end of the story.

Read more of Maleny's story on our blog.