August 2008


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Anatomy of a Survivor

Kryaan Singh entered The University of the West Indies, Faculty of Medical Sciences in September 2000 to pursue his life-long dream of becoming a veterinarian. Described as a bright, innovative student by Dr John Watkins, a lecturer at the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM), he would graduate five years later with an honors degree. Today, he manages a successful veterinary clinic at La Horquette, South Trinidad, which boasts two examination rooms, a surgical and x-ray room, as well as two kennels.

That he cares for his clients in a wheelchair (which unfolds much like a Michel Mann transformer); or that two of his vertebrae and part of his spinal chord were crushed in a vehicular accident two years ago, have not hampered his career. It may have put things on hold for a year or two, but it certainly has not stopped the young vet from practising.

“Basically, I just kept telling myself I want to be a vet and that’s all I need to do. I don’t need to walk to be a vet...I’m also stubborn”

Growing up as a young boy in San Fernando and Point Fortin, he always rescued strays, took them to the neighbourhood veterinarian for care and then brought them home. There were dogs, parrots and even monkeys which all flourished under his care in the Singh home.

Then on June 2nd 2006, a truck exiting an illegal road, pulled on to the highway giving a “bad drive” which led to Kryaan’s van flipping and rolling into the middle of the highway. A policeman had seen the entire incident and soon an emergency vehicle was on the scene. Kryaan knew that something was terribly wrong, when, after managing to unclip the seatbelt, he dragged himself from under the van, but could feel nothing from the chest down. He was taken to the hospital and then to various medical facilities where he spent over two months and underwent two operations. On returning home he continued the physical therapy, and even began to see patients. A nurse assisted with the injections, while the animals were brought to Kryaan’s bedside. He explained that this was a crucial part of the therapy - working and not becoming depressed - facing reality.

Then in November, 2006, he traveled to the Miami Physical Therapy Institute, for a three month stint with one of the best physical therapists in the business, Robin Smith. The trip proved highly successful as he gained full use of his right hand and partial use of his left, whereas previously he could only partially use both. Today he has about 70% use of his left hand and he also believes that he may be able to walk again.

Although he still has many challenges including a $2.6 million dollar medical bill, he holds no hatred for the driver of the truck, who has never been found. “It’s not really an issue for me…I don’t blame him.”

He is grateful for the support of his family; his mother, Anjelene, took early retirement from her job as a school principal to care for him during the day; while his father, an engineer, assists on weekends.