This morning I received a wonderful message from Soraida Salwala, the founder of FAE:
Motala‘s prosthetic leg has just been scheduled to 15-16 August, 2009. Ten years from her tragic accident. I just cannot wait. This morning she tried to walk to Kamchan and I believe they were talking because both trunks were up and Motala wanted to walk to be as near her as much as she could.
Thank you for these ten long years of support and hope and the encouragement you have give Motala and me and the staff.
Thanks and thanks and thanks.
Motala stepped on a landmine on August 15, 1999, while she and her mahout (owner) were logging along the Burmese border. Despite the massive wounds to her front leg, Motala walked for 3 days until she arrived at FAE.
Motala with her leg in a splint at FAE (1999).
On August 28, 2009 she received her first of many operations. Soraida and her staff have treated Motala at FAE for the last ten years. She writes:
The artificial leg we had planned for her before the operation could not be made due to the problems of her wounds that healed rather slow.
It has been ten years now but all these long years Motala enjoys a happy life and walks out of her shelter for a sun bath.
We are very happy that the day Motala will be fitted with the prosthetic leg is two weeks away. Thanks to all concerned, individuals, well wishers and donors, contributors across the country and around the world who keep sending their concern for her. Thanks especially for the team of Asso. Prof. Therdchai Jivacate from the Prostheses Foundation who dedicate their time and efforts to make it possible for BABY MOSHA, AND NOW MOTALA.
THE DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE!
You are cordially invited to come and witness the process and please let everyone you know learn of this good news! Thank you.
Miss Soraida Salwala
Founder & Secretary General
Friends of the Asian ElephantFor more Info please call:
Dr. Preecha Phuangkam : 081-936-3681
Director of FAE’s Elephant Hospital,
295 Moo 6, Lampang-Chiangmai Road (k.m.28-29)
Viengtan, Hangchatr, Lampang 52190
Thailand
Motala with a temporary cushion on her amputated leg to provide her spine some relief and support while she waits for her permanent prosthetic.
Producer Windy Borman will be in Thailand to film this historic event for The Eyes of Thailand. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help fund the production, please click here to donate through the film’s fiscal sponsor, The San Francisco Film Society.
Thank you and please stay tuned for more updates!
Sincerely,
Windy Borman
Producer, Writer, Director, The Eyes of Thailand
