The life of the energetic and cheerful Kaken Egimbaeva changed drastically after a fateful road incident. In 2016, after an accident at the Kubaky pass, this resident of Naryn faced severe consequences: she found herself confined to a wheelchair, losing the ability to walk and struggling to move her back. For over ten years, Kaken has been learning to cope with her new reality.
The path to accepting her condition has not been easy. Pain, despair, and long reflections on life have become her constant companions. However, despite the tragedy, Kaken has managed to find the strength within herself to continue living, filled with gratitude and hope, relying on her hands and spirit.
After sustaining her injury, she underwent a complex spinal surgery.
“I feel nothing and cannot move. Instead of bones, there is metal. Sometimes I feel like I resemble a terminator,” she says with a hint of irony.
These words reflect the immense inner resilience of the woman.
For Kaken, her family is the most important thing. It is thanks to the support of her loved ones that she was able to remain strong. Their caring words and attention have become a true source of strength for her.
“I realized who my true friends are after what happened to me,” she admits.
Kaken works as a journalist. She began her career in print media, then worked at the post office and in a cafeteria. After the accident, she had to stay at home for a long time, but even in a limited space, she did not lose her individuality.
In 2022, gathering all her strength, she founded a public organization called “Ray of Hope” to support people with disabilities. “At the first meeting, there were about thirty people. I went through this and knew how to help and support,” she shares. Thus, her personal pain found a new purpose.
To stay connected to life, she decided to try sports four years ago by joining the Paralympic movement. In 2023, Kaken became the champion in arm wrestling in her category and participated in an international tournament in Kazakhstan. Currently, her medal count includes two gold and one silver medal.
“In arm wrestling, there can be serious injuries; I have seen arms being broken. But professionals can feel your strength just by taking your hand. It was important for me to test myself, to go beyond Kyrgyzstan, but I lacked the funds,” she recounts.
Kaken lives alone in a rented apartment. She has a passion for reading, writes poetry, and has already published several books. For her first-group disability, she receives 12,000 soms.
Despite all the difficulties, her spirit remains unbroken. Her story intertwines both suffering and incredible strength, loss and new beginnings.
Life goes on, and each new day Kaken Egimbaeva finds meaning in it to keep moving forward.
Kaiyr Zhayloobekova
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