Hobbled but not hopeless - Stroke survivor keeps faith that life will turn around

At 52, Ronald White never imagined that a single medical emergency would alter the course of his life.

But after suffering a stroke about three years ago, White is entering the new year with hope and one simple goal: "to be strong enough to work again".

With his eyes filled with hope, White told THE STAR, "Mi no used to them life here, so mi a try."

Now walking with a noticeable limp, dragging his left foot and keeping his left hand drawn close to his chest, White said he has been unable to hold a job since he suffered a stroke caused by hypertension in 2022.

"The stroke really set me back," he said. "I was doing security work when mi get the stroke, but even after that, I still tried to go back and work for about two months because the boss liked the way I worked."

Despite his determination to push through, White said a resident at the townhouse where he was stationed noticed his condition and made a complaint.

"[The person] a say mi hand can't manage certain things again, so dem put somebody to work in my space, and a from deh so," he said. White turned to therapy and hoped and prayed that he would not be slowed down or laid off. But his life ultimately took a different path.

"Therapy work slightly so I can move around, but it was only four months. But after that mi do plenty walking and drink nuff water. Mi still do plenty walking," he said. Still, four years later, he said progress has been slow, demonstrating the shakiness of his left hand as he attempted to lift his plate.

"That's why I keep it on the wall. It will dash weh," he said, laughing. White was among several homeless persons who received food from the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation on New Year's Day as part of the annual treat.

His journey has since become long and weary as he now relies on government assistance to survive.

" I haven't been able to work since, so that's why I go on the Poor Relief Programme. Every month I get a $, but that is just a little help," he said. "But remember dem say half a bread is better than none."

Taking a moment to consider his life, White explained, "Mi want to do other things, like buy food, rent somewhere better, and thing."

White told THE STAR that some of his meals come from the Poor Relief Department on Hanover Street in Kingston, a journey of more than 30 minutes on foot from Jones Town, where he resides.

"That a nuff walking. Mi a get the exercise still. Them have certain times they have breakfast. Some a tuna fish with a two slice a bread," he said.

Still smiling, White admitted that while his living situation adds to his challenges, he remained grateful.

"Mi stay at a one-bedroom [place]. Been there with my mother since I was five, and then she passed in 2018, and now it's just me. But the problem is that the owners lick down the bathroom, and I have to be using someone else toilet. That rough on me," he said.

"The foot and hand make it hard, and right now I can't even wash for myself. So if I had a machine, that would easier, so I just take my time or I get help sometimes."

Despite his challenges, White's smile never breaks, and he said he remains hopeful for change.

"Mi really just want a work, man, maybe security, but you think I can still do that with this disability?" he asked jokingly. Until then, White said his faith keeps him going.

"I pray every day. That's why you see me smiling. [I] ask God for health and strength and daily food," he said, smiling once more.