–Physically Challenged Couple Appeals
By: Shallon S. Gonlor
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — In the heart of Gompa City, Nimba County’s commercial hub lies a remarkable couple with disabilities defying the odds through business but challenges persist, especially with all their children currently out of school.
Mr. Winston D. Saye, 40, visually impaired, and his wife, Mrs. Patricia Flomo, 31, who has a physical disability, produce and sell liquid soap for survival. However, they say sales from the business are not enough to provide their daily meals and sponsor their children in school. With this, the couple is seeking support for their children to return to school. “We’re calling on philanthropists — individuals and organizations to intervene and help us give our children the education they deserve,” says Patricia.
“As parents with disabilities, we face unique challenges, but we believe our children shouldn’t suffer because of our situation,” she concluded.
Winston added, “We want our children to have the opportunities we never had. We need support to ensure they receive the best possible education and a brighter future.”
Disability is not inability:
During sales, Mr. Saye pushes Ms Flomo’s wheelchair while she balances bottles of soap on her lap or head as they move from one area to another selling.
Winston D. Saye, 40-year-old, story is one of resilience and determination. Born in 1984, Winston’s life took a dramatic turn in 2012 while working on his farm.
“I made a rice farm and planted pepper in the rice,” he recounted. “After harvesting the rice, I would clean the pepper to increase its yield.” Tragically, while picking peppers, some dropped to the ground, and in his haste to collect them, he accidentally plugged a pepper pod into his eye.
Without access to proper medical care, Winston struggled to cope. “I had to hustle around to get small money to buy medicine,” he shared. His condition gradually worsened, and in February 2013, at the age of 28, Winston lost his sight.
“In February 2013, I lost my sight finally. I was 28 years old when I encountered this condition. I met my wife physically disabled or crippled in 2008,” Winston shared his story. Despite this life-altering challenge, Winston found love and support in his wife, Patricia Flomo, whom he met in 2008.
Patricia Flomo at 16-year-old’s life took a different direction when she became disabled after a mysterious illness that left her unable to walk. “I was severely ill, abandoned, and isolated in a kitchen where I shared the night with domestic animals,” she recalled.
The illness began suddenly, with Patricia feeling a sharp pain in her feet while entering a house to speak to one of her family members who gave birth.
“In the interior, one of my family members gave birth. That night, my friends and I went there to speak. My friends were ahead of me and entered the house, but for me to take step to enter the house, that’s how I felt that pain under my feet, I shouted and fell to the ground,” she said. Despite the pain and coldness, no one suspected anything serious at first. However, her condition worsened, and she became crippled.
Patricia spent nearly seven years seeking herbal treatment in a “sick bush,” but to no avail. She developed skin rashes and was shunned by friends and community members. “Only my parents, who are now deceased, took care of me,” she said. Eventually, her oldest sister took her to Ganta, where she began rebuilding her life with disability.
In Ganta, Patricia started selling oranges to support herself. That’s when she met Winston, whose sister encouraged her to connect with him. “It’s been challenging, but we’re happy together,” Patricia said. “We appreciate the support of the people of Ganta, who admire our determination, teamwork, and business spirit.”
