Story Of Korou, The Survivor

Somorjit Yenkokpam *

KOROU, Beauty Unbound

Korou, named after the Sun God of the Meities (Manipuries), was born on the chilly winter morning of Tuesday, the 18 November 2008 by caesarean at the operation theatre of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur. He is the second son of Taruni Devi and Somorjit Yenkokpam of Khabam Lamkhai, Imphal East, Manipur.

The Doctor's delivery report states that the child underwent Birth Asphyxia at the time of his delivery. At that time, the parents didn't even know the meaning of the medical term, Birth Asphyxia. They only knew that there is something wrong with their son, born with a bluish complexion and an extraordinary softness and an unnatural quietness.

Soon after birth, Korou started developing breathing problem and was diagnosed with Laryngomalacia and was kept in and out of the ICU of the best Children hospital in Imphal City, for more than a month. The ENT doctor assured the parents that Laryngomalacia gradually cure itself and will go away when the baby attend the age of two.

Still, Korou stayed in and out of the hospitals most of the first year of his childhood, as he always suffers from breathing difficulties that took him to the brink of death on many occasions.

At four months Korou's eyesight didn't seemed to have developed. The Ophthalmologist said that the baby showed definite signs of visual impairment. But at six months, Korou started seeing things, even with a slight squint, much to the relief of the disheartened parents.

Korou started missing most of a child's developmental milestones. At six months, Korou still could not hold his head properly. He could not sit unsupported at twelve months. He only babbles but could not call out 'Mama' or 'Papa'. Standing and walking without support became the biggest struggle for him even when he attended the age of two.

At nine months, Korou was diagnosed with Atonic Cerebral Palsy and was referred to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) department of the RIMS. Korou underwent a CT scan of the head, EEG and Brain Analysis, and various other tests. No structural damage is seen at the brain and the Physiotherapists suggested a rigorous physiotherapy programme for the child. The Speech therapist also saw no structural deformations at Korou's vocal cord and suggested extensive speech stimulation at home.

Korou started attending a regular bi-monthly follow-up programme at the PMR, RIMS and a daily training session with his parents, a caring elder brother and supportive cousins at home. He even stayed for a month at a Yoga and Nature-cure Centre and underwent Yoga and nature-cure therapy to enable him to walk. Soon, he became the darling of the employees and patients alike at the hospitals and rehabilitation centres and a bundle of joy at home.

At two years, he started sitting up on his own and adopts a swimming-like crawling movement. He calls out 'Baba' and has an excellent sense of hearing and vision. His intellect, though somewhat impaired, is showing good signs of development. He knows his limitations but strive to attend his developmental milestones with immense bravery and courage. Other than his weakness at the legs and hip, he grows up to a very healthy kid. He likes watching football and cricket and even joins his cousins in play. He also likes to flip through his picture books and tries drawing with crayons.

On January 6, 2014, just after one and a half months of his fifth birthday, Korou started walking unsupported for quite a distance. He has conquered the most difficult hurdle of his life.

Now, Korou, an angel of the Sun God, is looking forward to a childhood where he can grow up with people and friends who treats him normally but with love, care and support, where he can watch and play and live with children of his age group, where his limitations are compromised in an accepted surrounding in a peaceful and natural environment.

Korou's parents and well-wishers is currently planning on a project/program for establishing a rehabilitation home for children, more or less like Korou, children with special needs and care and with different abilities.

Korou's Abode is based on the inspiration of Korou's strength, bravery and love. The philosophy behind the project/program is that, there are still a number of children, maybe more unfortunate than Korou, who needs a lot of love and care and support.

The Home shall function as a service provider that primarily aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to these children with special needs and abilities in a time bound manner by focusing on their capabilities, not limitations.

Our therapists and caregivers will set goals for the young people, and work with them to meet predetermined benchmarks with confidence in a safe, peaceful and supportive environment.