Project Zachariah

Hi, my name is Zachariah Kohinga. To some of you, I am family, a friend or perhaps I am a stranger.

But today I share my story with you out of love and hopefulness.

I am an 18-year-old young man, who was born with quadriplegia cerebral palsy, wheel chair bound and almost taller than every person in my family. 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a severe unknown, likely, mitochondrial disorder, which basically means I have multiple organs affected. I have life threatening epilepsy that affects me daily and a chronic lung disease, which means I am attached 24/7 to a power source, to support my humidified oxygen machine. My muscles, lungs, speech and immune system have a hard time functioning the same way as yours does. It appears that I am incredibly unique to this world.

For years, my family and I have adapted to my ever-growing body and changes in the medical front. We have exhausted our expenses, resources and minds, trying to overcome and meet my needs. But unfortunately, we have reached our limit, for my house is no longer safe and accessible for me. I am no longer only bound to a wheel chair, but also one room. I have taken up residence in our family loungeroom, as it is the only place that can cater for my care needs and equipment. My chair barely fits down our hall way and through the door ways. My narrow house makes it unsafe and near impossible during emergencies, for paramedics to bring a stretcher into our home. So that they can treat and stabilise me to get me safely into the ambulance. During these times, the pressure is placed on my parents to have to lift and carry me outside to the stretcher.

It is rare that I ever go outside, leave this room and it is even rarer that I leave the house.

Whilst I can understand that this sounds grim, I beg to differ. A while ago I decided to change my perspective, that my house wasn’t just a house, it is my playground and my world.

I recently received an electric wheel chair, and I have developed a strong desire and dream to be able to finally have independence and be able to control the chair myself. However, I cannot do that until my house is done. For I cannot get down the hall, outside or have enough space to move around in the room I am captive in.

For months I have been working endlessly in my art work in the hope to raise money by selling my paintings, how ever this is not enough.

So, I ask you now for help, I ask for your support, love, encouragement and any donations of money, services or building materials. Every cent, every share, every comment, every offer, Helps! Bringing me one step closer to making my dream come true.

So how about it, would you like to be a part of my wild journey and story too?

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to hear my name, my story and my near impossible hurdle to jump. You are appreciated.