This is the 30th in a series on close encounters with death by individuals, some of whom are prominent members of the society.
IT is not often that a person who is younger than 30 suffers a stroke.
Budding artist Kitwana "Kit" Robinson, was not only knocked over by a massive stroke at age 26, but has been struggling to recreate his life.
His name a Swahili word that means 'Pledged to Live' sums up what has happened to him, and possibly tells the story of why he is still alive. Despite all of the challenges that he has faced, Robinson refuses to give up, he is determined to live.
The only son of lawyer, broadcaster and sports administrator Robert "Robbie" Robinson, and artist/teacher Denise, Robinson, now 33, is adamant that the major setback that he suffered in September 2005, when he almost died, will not prevent him from making a meaningful contribution to the Jamaica that he cherishes.
"I am continuing the fight. I am not giving up," Robinson told the Jamaica Observer during a visit to his home last week.
The stroke seven years ago has left Kit with 20 per cent brain damage and an inability to read, although he uses the computer, plays dominoes and card games, among other things.
His speech is limited, mostly slurred and he moves around with the use of a cane.
Kit at one time had everything going for him. He made his mark at Campion College, moved on to Wolmer's Boy's School for sixth form, and read for a Bachelor's degree in economics at the University of the West Indies.
At the time of his setback, he had been employed at the Statistical Institute of Jamaica for five years and had applied to do further studies in information technology at the UWI, an area which he had acquired a liking for, belatedly.
Link:
Statistician 'Kit' Robinson bounces back from devastating stroke