By Mwakilishi
From being in a coma to becoming a college graduate. That's the path Elizabeth Kogo has taken over the past five years.
Eyewitness News shared her story in 2011. Kogo'shusband at the time, Gideon Maiyo, was arrested and convicted of trying to kill her after a brutal beating.
Now, Elizabeth is just months away from graduating with honors from Wichita State University.
Her life seems almost normal, as she makes dinner for her nine-year-old son. But for the past five years, their life has been anything but normal.
Elizabeth spent two months in the hospitalafter the attack in January of 2011. She suffered a traumatic brain injury when Maiyo beat her in the head with a hammer on her 29th birthday.
"My neighbor heard me screaming that he was killing me and he called the police. He's the one who saved my life," said Elizabeth.
Elizabeth was in a comafor two weeks and on life support.
"I thought I would be in the hospital forever. I thought this was now my fate and this is going to be my home now," said Elizabeth.
She did get out, but the challenges didn't stop. Her coordination is poor, she's had to relearn to walk, and simple tasks can be difficult.
Among the challenges, Elizabeth says there have been miracles as well. One that stands out - getting accepted into Wichita State in 2012.
"That's when my life started looking better and I started having hope," said Elizabeth.
She faced more obstacles once school began. Elizabeth says she realized the injuries had made her slower than other students.
She thanks Wichita State Disability Services for helping her overcome that hurdle, and helping her work toward her goal of becoming a social worker.
"Even before my injury I always wanted to help people. But now after the injury, it's even become more intense," said Elizabeth.
As she pushes toward the goal that once seemed unattainable, Elizabeth wants her story to inspire others who are looking for a little hope.
"It's a big miracle."
Elizabeth will graduate in May.
She has also written a book about her recovery. Elizabeth says she wants to empower other women who have been victims of domestic abuse.
- KWCH-TV
No comments:
Post a Comment