http://yourhealth.asiaone.com/content/she-defies-odds-play-football
Miss Nurhayati recounted that fateful night that changed her life. She was on her way home after supper at Changi Village.
"I was with a group of friends from the old neighbourhood then. My family was moving away so we thought we'd hang out one last time and go for supper," she said.
They were on their way home when the rider she was with hit the motorcycle travelling in front.
Miss Nurhayati was flung off the bike and sustained a rupture of her aorta, the main heart artery. She also suffered multiple fractures to her body including her spine, pelvis and left arm.
"All I remembered was I heard a bang, then I blacked out when I landed. When I regained consciousness, three strangers had carried me to the side of the road. I could not feel my body from my neck down," she said.
Doctors at CGH said that her chances of survival were slim and that if she survived, she would probably be paralysed from the waist down.
That was in November 2011. Today - a year and a half later - the 23-year-old graduate from the ITE College East has defied the odds. Not only is she walking, she has returned to playing football with former teammates.
"I am not in top form like before but I have a very understanding coach.
"I'm allowed to train with my former teammates and slowly build my strength and stamina," said Miss Nurhayati, who walks with a limp.
For her tenacity and fighting spirit, Miss Nurhayati was given the Hero Patient Award, part of Changi General Hospital's (CGH) inaugural Caring Awards. She was scheduled to receive the award from Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor.
The award comprised a certificate, trophy and $350 of NTUC FairPrice vouchers.
One of the Caring Awards judges, executive director of Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home Low Mui Lang, said Miss Nurhayati's story of recovery was picked because it was inspiring.
Miss Nurhayati, who was born with cerebral palsy, is now playing as a defender in the football team for the Society for the Physically Disabled.
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