Paulo Henrique Machado lived almost all his life in hospital. He suffered from infantile paralysis as a child, cause of poliomyelitis. Today breathes with apparatus which are connected at all times. But despite its shortcomings, has learned to work on the computer, and now create a television series about his life.
Photo credit : BBC.co.uk
The first memories and, most of the Brazilian are linked of hospital halls that he was exploring in his wheelchair. “Explore all the corridors, going the other children hospitalized rooms here, so I found my universe,” he told the BBC. “For me, to play football or ordinary toy was never an option. I had to use my imagination more” confessed Paulo. His mother died when he was only two days and a few months later made poliomyelitis as a result of the largest epidemics in Brazil. In 1970, children with polio were locked in a metal device, and predictions about their future were extremely bleak. About very few it was believed they had a real chance to reach adolescence. Their life expectancy was 10 years. With an extremely low mobility, Machado’s world formed around the friends who made the landing. “It was me, Eliana, Pedrinho, Anderson, Claudia, Luciana and Tania. They have been here a long time here more than 10 years” says Paulo.
Photo credit : BBC.co.uk
The innocence of a child, not ever imagined that they would ever separate. Hospital staff and other patients were family. Only that the health of some of his friends began to deteriorate. Many have died on the same level with him.
Neither doctors can explain why some children have survived so long, but Machado knows something. Every morning he wakes up turned to his a life girlfriend Zagui Eliana. Their relationship is crucial for him. “Some people say about us that we are husband and wife, but we have more like brother and sister” says Paulo.
And because they get along so well, they fight every day, recognize Machado laughing. “I think it is normal between a sister and a brother or a couple. But there are not fights that one should feel offended or the other must be forgiven” said the Brazilian.
The risk of infection forces the two to stay in the hospital. Trips off the premises are so rare as memorable for them. Machado estimated that left the hospital 50 times in his life. Most outputs have occurred in recent years due to medical technology that facilitates walking.
Photo credit : BBC.co.uk
“There were incredible trips. Like when I was first on the beach in 32 years. I opened the car door and said, “Wow! What is this? ‘”He remembers.
“I knew how a beach look likes from photos, videos and stories of other people, so we have built an image in our minds. We enjoy incredible than these moments that most people take them completely free. They do not stop to wonder as we do, “said Eliana’s friend Paulo. Because the two live in the hospital for so many years, they were allowed to decorate their rooms with things. The Eliana is full of dolls and books, while Machado’s is a tribute to the cinema. It has two powerful computers that learned to edit movies. With the help of an online campaign has managed to raise all the funds needed for a 3D film, which will be called “The Adventures of Leca and friends,” based on a book written by Eliana Zagui. The film will be directed by him. Machado wanted to portray life with Zagui, also known as Leca, and his friends.
Cartoonist Bruno Saggese, who helped Machado with his cinematographic project in the past two years, says that when he first came to the hospital was amazed at the calm and relaxed atmosphere of Zagui and Machado room.
[adsense][adsense]