Woman paralysed day before anniversary

On December 21, 2011, Tasha-Lee Clarke realised that she was just one day away from celebrating her first wedding anniversary with her husband Christopher, so she began to make plans. Having been together for 12 years before tying the knot, Tasha-Lee wanted to make the day extra special. However, in the midst of her preparations, tragedy struck.

Clarke, who was five months pregnant, had opened her dresser draw to take out her outfit. She wanted to look her best for the day. While trying to close the draw, she slipped and fell. The joy of her anniversary quickly turned to sorrow when it was revealed through an MRI that she had a broken back and would need immediate surgery.

Induce labour

But nothing could prepare her for the news that came next. The fall had also paralysed her from the waist down and doctors had to induce labour. "They took my baby on the 6th of January. They said that I could stay on bed rest for the next two months until the baby develops. He was born alive and I got a chance to hold him. About 20 minutes later they said that he died and I broke down. It was really hard for me and my husband but we had no other choice," she said.

Losing her baby and being paralysed was just the beginning of Clarke's problems. Having done a second surgery, Clarke then began to lose her hearing and her eyesight. "The doctors said I had lost too much blood and it resulted in temporary memory loss, hearing loss and loss of weight. I developed stomach problems too. I could not even breathe on my own for a while after the second surgery. They had to put a tube down my throat," she said.

Despite the adversities, Clarke, who has three other children, told THE WEEKEND STAR that she has since become a Christian and is hoping for a miracle.

"I have never walked from the day of the incident and sometimes it bothers me when I see everyone walking and I can't...but my mother-in-law was one of my biggest supporters. The fact that my husband has been by my side from day one makes me happy. I have a lot of faith in God and I just pray that this miracle that I have been expecting will manifest soon," she said.

Clarke added that her biggest blessing has been the strength and determination of her children, who have rallied around her in her time of need.

"My husband is my everything, because he has been by my side all this while but I am very surprised at my kids. They are so strong, they are not ashamed of me and they help me with everything. We play at home together, although they make fun of me when I am not hearing well," she said with a smile.

In the meantime, Clarke says her surgery and rehab have taken a toll on her finances, so she is seeking help to acquire a hearing aid. Though she is uncertain of the cost, Clarke says she is willing to accept all the help she can get.

Persons willing to assist Clarke can contact her at 876-441-8693.