New limb helps St Mary mom reclaim independence

In 2023, Eula Mallett of Brainerd, St Mary, found herself living her worst nightmare. The 56-year-old mother of three, who has diabetes and had long struggled with poor circulation in her legs, saw her condition take a devastating turn after she was bitten by a tick.

Following a series of medical assessments, doctors recommended that her leg be amputated. Mallett, however, firmly refused. Instead, she spent approximately six weeks receiving care at the Spanish Town Hospital. Unfortunately, her condition did not improve.

Faced with the risk of the infection spreading throughout her body, Mallett reluctantly agreed to the procedure. The surgery was successfully performed in March 2023.

"I decided to do it, but I was so worried because I'm saying, getting this foot cut, how am I going to manage? I have to go sit down for the rest of my life. How am I going to survive?" she pondered.

After the operation, Mallett was cared for by her daughters before returning to her home in Brainerd. Determined to regain her independence, she used crutches to handle most of her daily tasks, though mobility remained a significant challenge.

Soon after returning home, Mallett met Richard Creary, councillor for the Richmond Division in St Mary. He introduced her to the Government's 'New Limb, New Life' programme, which provides prosthetic limbs to individuals aged 13 to 60 who lose limbs due to illness or trauma.

Through this state-funded initiative, Mallett received her prosthetic limb at Surgix Jamaica Limited.

Her son-in-law, Richard Simmonds, expressed how much it means to the family to see Mallett regain her mobility.

"It gives me that joy, and I know the family really appreciate it, because it broke them when their mom lost her foot," he said.

Now, with a new sense of freedom, Mallett said the prosthetic leg has transformed her life.

"I can do every little thing. I sweep my yard, I cook, I tidy my house, I clean my floor. Yes, I do everything. It has helped me so, so much. I am so happy for it," she declared.