Djibril K.

Spring in Edmonton, Djibril, a 24 year old athlete, football player and volunteer with the Edmonton Police Service North Division was out riding with a friend when his motorcycle was clipped by a passing car. He survived the accident with only a few cuts and bruises.

“The accident was not that severe even today whenever I think about it. It’s the aftermath that almost took me out.”

A few days after the incident Djibril started to experience flu like symptoms. He couldn’t warm up, he was actually shivering. His body was aching, which was thought to result from the accident, but his stomach was off and he had developed a fever. Djibril knew something was wrong, he barely remembers getting to the emergency room. His blood pressure dropped shortly after arrival and he lost consciousness.

Djibril had developed a bacterial infection from a wound that caused him to go into septic shock. He had been on life support for 2 weeks, was in renal flare failure and sustained damage to both his feet. Djibril woke up to a nightmare, he didn’t remember getting to the hospital and when the doctors discussed amputation, his mother lost consciousness. Being a serious athlete, Djibril struggled with the idea of being an amputee.

“I was so confused and so weak… I was 236 pounds and I woke up at 118 pounds! I was afraid and to be honest, ignorant. I didn’t know any other amputees except Terry Fox. That’s why peer support is so important to me.”

Recovery was long, Djibril suffered multiple surgeries and procedures and a year post infection became a metatarsal Amputee. Djibril’s quality of life suffered. He was always on antibiotics, had chronic pain and was confined to a wheelchair and crutches. Djibril’s lost hope honestly believed his life was over.

The light that moved his soul came with the fabulous news that Djibril was going to be an uncle! And this news changed Djibril’s playing field. After nine years of suffering he made the decision to amputate below the knee and start coaching again. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.”

I believe we will be hearing more from Djibril…