MY STORY

My name is Karlijn Musch, I'm 29 years old and currently studying physiotherapy at the European School of Physiotherapy in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. In my early twenties, after having done a bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences at Utrecht University, I worked as an environmental consultant for an engineering company. After 3 years, in order to specialize further, I did a master’s degree in environmental management at the University of Amsterdam. For my thesis research I traveled to India, where I studied the impact of coastal development on coastal sand dunes and the local communities dependent on these ecosystems. I lived in the state of Tamil Nadu for 6 months. I had such a wonderful experience, emerging in a culture so different from what I was used to, that after graduation I took some time off and went straight back to India. Back in India I traveled, trying to learn about photography (see pictures on this page) and I volunteered. Volunteering for an NGO in the town of Leh, I met Jigmet. This encounter has changed my life, as it was this event that inspired me to study physiotherapy. I experienced how fulfilling it is to be able to help others. For over a year ans a half, as a result of the hard work of the team and your help and generosity, Jigmet is being treated on a regular basis and is becoming stronger and healthier.

 

MY MISSION

My mission is to make a difference. Helping Jigmet improving his health and quality of life by providing the necessery treatment. Physiotherapy does not only help him with the daily activities in life such as walking and getting dressed, but it enables him to do what he loves: playing cricket and dancing. My aim is to be able to provide physical therapy and medicine for Jigmet until he is fully grown and is able to undergo elbow surgery as has been advised by the orthopedic surgeon and pediatrician. Since his elbow is dislocated, he needs to have this surgery after reaching the age of 18. For this surgery he needs to be physically fit and prepared. The mobilization and exercises Rigzin and Phuntsog are doing with Jigmet help to strengthen the affected wrist, arm and shoulder in addition to treatment of his hemiplegia.