In Syria makeshift center offers hope to paralysed
Ziad, a paralysed 14-year-old boy, often stays alone in his room as bombs fall on Douma, the main rebel-stronghold in eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus.
Limited in scope, number and size, there are no nearby shelters equipped to receive Ziad who cannot be moved quickly or easily during airstrikes because of his spinal injuries.
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Unlike most patients, Abu Zeid lives inside the centre. After his injury, the 23-year-old, whose family lives in a government-controlled area, tried to commit suicide as he struggled to cope with extreme physical pain and come to terms with needing help for basic self-care.
Deep, crater-like scars on Abu Zeid's arms are a reminder of what he endured and a marked contrast with his condition today. Having received treatment, Abu Zeid now has limited mobility, can visit the toilet by himself and is even hopeful he will walk again.
"The doctors say I will walk again, but I need to be patient and exercise a lot," he said.
Obeida, 18, a medic at the rehabilitation center, walks inside a patient's house to take him to the center.
Ziad gets help to enter the rehabilitation center.
Abu Yassin, 47, arrives at the rehabilitation center.
Abu Yassin attends a physiotherapy session.
Dumbbells and a stuffed toy are seen inside the rehabilitation center.
Ahmed, 20, attends a therapy session.
Ayman, 24, attends a training session.
Haitham, 35, who sustained a spinal cord injury during the conflict in Syria that left him paralysed, is seen at the rehabilitation center.
Mohamed warms himself in the sun outside the rehabilitation center.
Patients sit in wheelchairs at the rehabilitation center.
Ayman, 24, attends a lesson at the rehabilitation center.
Ziad prays at a mosque.
Fouad, 20, works at an amusement park after completing a therapy cycle.
