LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Sabina Agayeva’s health issues began the moment she was born.
Many questions surrounding her the health of her legs, leaving doctors in her home country of Azerbaijan puzzled.
“They had no idea they thought something was terribly wrong, but they couldn’t figure out what it was,” Agayeva said.
The search for answers ultimately brought Agayeva and her family to the U.S. where, after several consults, doctors determined there was only one option.
Amputation.
“I guess there were issues with my ligaments in my knee and it stopped growing. One leg was like about a foot difference [from the other],” Agayeva said.
“Everyone was saying the same thing at that time, that amputation is the only way. If they fix it, I would be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life.”
So at just eight years old, Agayeva lost her left leg. She told FOX5 her memory is hazy from that time given the strenuous surgery. However, she does remember taking on a tough adjustment period post operation.
“It was between trying to go through recovery and then starting a new school learning English. It was a lot. A lot of changes,” Agayeva said. “School was rough. Everybody was looking at me. I had times when I had to take my leg off and I felt uncomfortable. I felt different.”
Over time, that discomfort faded. Agayeva grew into the person she is today, persevering through many challenges despite her amputation. It eventually led her to Las Vegas, which she has called home for nearly 20 years. In recent months, Agayeva felt a calling to connect with other amputees in the valley.
“As far as Vegas goes, it’s hard to find a community of people that are open enough,” Agayeva said. “How do you meet someone out here who’s also an amputee? You can’t just go on social media and be like ‘Anyone out there with a prosthetic leg or amputee?’ It’s has been difficult to find a community out here for sure.”
That thought actually led Agayeva to create her own Facebook group dedicated to finding that community. Vegas Strong Amputees was started last year to open the door for amputees in the valley to find fellowship and support.
It’s something Agayeva has wanted for herself for a long time.
“I would like to connect with people, just support one another. That’s my whole goal,” Agayeva said. “I have my doctor that I can reach out to and ask and they can only help so much. Having that personal connection is is so much better.”
If you want to learn more about Vegas Strong Amputees, click here.
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