Caliper for Reggie

Reginald (Reggie) Kumar is a polio survivor from Fiji. He is now 59 yrs old, having had polio as a seven-year-old which left him with an almost completely paralysed left leg and partially affected right leg. He has had one caliper in his life which was made over forty years ago. Despite his best efforts at maintenance, his brace is no longer functional. He is in a lot of pain and has significant problems with mobility. Fiji has no orthotic services and there are very limited treatment options (virtually nothing) for him there.

Polio NZ is sponsoring Reggie to come to New Zealand to be fitted with new orthotic braces at the QE Health orthotic department in Rotorua, He will be required to stay for three weeks for full assessment, construction and fitting of the braces. Costs for his braces are estimated to be approximately $2,500. Mr. Kumar is a retired Fiji Civil Servant and has limited financial resources at this stage. His family can cover his air flight and accommodation costs but would find the costs of the braces impossible to meet

Polio NZ would appreciate very much any financial assistance for Mr Kumar’s braces, which should last the rest of his life.