I moved to US a few years before my accident.  Like most people I was young and dreamt of a life where I could provide for my struggling family. My father passed away when I was  just a child.  I learnt about life and its challenges at a very young age. We had a small medical supplies store in Karachi which helped provide for us as a family.  My mother struggled to make ends meet for us four brothers and two sisters.  Being the eldest son,  I wanted to be successful and take care of my family. My Uncle Moosa and his family were already here at the time and with their support I was able to get a degree and a good job.

I was at work one day, Memorial Day weekend 2004 to be exact, when I decided to step out for a quick cup of coffee. Little did I know that my life would change forever.

I was in the hospital for a while- people didn’t think I would survive the shock but my family’s prayers kept me strong. In medical terms I am now described as follows:

Patient’s Present History : The patient is a thirty one year old nursing facility resident with a history of traumatic brain injury, secondary to motor vehicle accident which resulted in paraplegia, persistent vegetative state and neurogenic bladder.

I have been told nothing short of a miracle can change my condition now. I respond when spoken to- whether it’s a smile or moving my leg, just to let you know that I appreciate your visit. I often wonder with proper encouragement can my condition change?  Will I be able to sit up, perhaps an assisted  communication device may help me share my feelings? I do know, that when I have visitors my day brightens up. I feel loved and cared for and not just in my “vegetative state.” I am a person, with feelings and emotions.  I won’t ask for much, just a few hours to help me connect with the world again. Its been seven long years of waiting for a change.