PATRON'S MESSAGE
AKi was started for therapy for Cerebral Palsy (CP) which is a condition that is not understood very well in Pakistan and is hence one of the most neglected. In Pakistan, people have great feelings for the disabled but unfortunately, there is a lack of facilities, especially in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa.
We know there is no cure, but there can be a great improvement in lives when children with CP get good attention from people who understand their problems.
In developed countries, it is the norm to cater to the disabled from birth to death. This includes initial diagnosis and assessment, medical care, therapy, education, and a chance for independent living. Most cities have to be disabled-friendly to facilitate easy commuting; the majority of public transport is wheelchair friendly. Public ramps, lifts, and special toilets are easily available. When we started AKi we wanted to show that by using local resources we can begin the development that will let us emulate these examples.
We do not depend on sophisticated technology; most appliances in our clinic are designed and made locally. We use the knowledge gained from International good practice and then adapt and solve the problems appropriate to our circumstances.
Our therapists have come a long way, and our clinical tutor insists on continuous intensive learning. She has always emphasized evidence-based therapy, as our resources allow. We need to be innovative in our approach and benefit from all the knowledge available.
We want to be an example for government and private organizations. It is important for us to create awareness of CP and other disabling conditions so that affected families and medical professionals realize that there is a lot that can be done to alleviate their problems. Each small step of improvement is a giant step for the families looking after their children.
We hope that no parent needs to hear “He has CP, there is nothing that can be done, take him home and care for him”.
I pray to Allah that AKi is successful in its endeavor to give the most special and marginalized children the opportunity for a better life.
In Memory of Mrs. Yvonne Frizzell
I met Yvonne Frizzell because of my son, Akbar. I needed a paediatric physiotherapist, and I got one at my doorstep, Allah be praised. Akbar was three when we met her and for the next 37 years, she was closely associated with us. They both took to each other and the bond between them remained till she passed away on 19 July 2022.
I wanted to have a rehab clinic in my town since I saw the clinics in developed countries. I did not find any of that kind. Hence, my wish to have a setup on those lines. I had mentioned this to Yvonne, and in 2005 when her kids were older she agreed.
Akbar Kare was set up, and in the process of training staff and making it compatible with the culture here, while at the same time, she demonstrated how the same treatment and equipment available abroad can be used here with minimal cost by using indigenous materials.
With her passion to improve the lives of special children, AKi became known for its services. She loved what she did, and was loved and respected by all. It was her devotion to the children who came and went back happy with their families, that AKi was known nationally very soon. She would continue to reach out to all stakeholders, hence the ICRC acknowledged us for providing good service to children with disabilities and their families. We were well-known internationally as well.
Yvonne was passionate about her work. She was devoted to make the lives of differently abled kids and their families better. The parents or carers of the kids would be pleased to see the change she would bring to the child -from lying on the floor onto a sitting position on a chair. They had never imagined to see the child like this. She taught us a lesson that academic degrees and clinical work by itself does not make a brilliant physiotherapist. It needs empathy, kindness, and commitment to the children and their families. Hence a physio should not only be treating a child in the clinic, but also do problem-solving in the child’s daily living.
Yvonne was definitely not the usual desk-sitting teacher. She would bring all the knowledge and more importantly show how best to apply it. I am sure everyone remembers her sitting on the floor, with a malnourished child and teach mothers how to feed these very special children. She used suji (Semolina) which gives more energy, peanut butter was another favourite. Its stickiness was good for the kids to learn to work their mouths around.
We are grateful to her husband Jim Frizzell for supporting her in her mission. He was always there to help and took great pride in the success stories. Yvonne would often say that she couldn’t envision working if he had not supported her.
Farewell dear Yvonne. We at Akbar Kare will miss you, your work will always be valued.