A true story of ‘perseverance’

Dilasu Madran, who was born before her two arms and legs were fully developed due to the umbilical cord compression she experienced while she was still in her mother's womb, and who has undergone 15 surgeries so far, did not get give up on her life and wrote a story of perseverance that will set an example for everyone. Dilasu Madran, a student of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Vocational School of Applied English Translation Program, clinging to life with a prosthesis attached to her two arms and one leg, overcame all difficulties by being passionate about her dreams and hopes. Madran, who comes with her mother to the campus all the way to the entrance of the building with the special permission from IUE, and makes a difference with her life energy and hard work, said, “Clinging to the past won't do me any good. I always keep my life energy high by focusing on my goals and the good days I will have. After graduating, I would like to improve myself in England and achieve success there.”

The life struggle of Dilasu Madran (21) from Izmir started in 2001. Dilasu, the first child of Hatice-Erdal Madran couple, was born before she could fully develop due to the inability to move in the womb due to umbilical cord compression (congenital anomaly). Dilasu, who was born with her two arms and two legs without fully developed as a result of the situation being noticed a little late, spent almost her childhood years on the operating table. Dilasu has had 15 surgeries so far to lengthen her left leg, which is slightly more developed than the other and attached to the hip. As a result of the timely and successful interventions of the doctors, Dilasu's left leg was extended by 25 centimeters. In this way, Dilasu was able to use her left leg without a prosthesis. Dilasu, who has prosthetics in both arms and her right leg and is connected to life with self-confidence, energy and hard work, preferred IUE Vocational School Applied English Translation Program for university education after graduating from Balçova Anatolian High School.

I HELD ONTO LIFE WITH ENERGY AND SELF CONFIDENCE

Stating that her biggest supporters are her family, friends and academics at the University Dilasu, who is currently in the second year, says, “I cannot live my life by focusing on the difficulties I have experienced so far, living with the past. It's not just me, everyone is dealing with difficulties. What is important is to embrace life with energy and self-confidence. That's what I did, and I didn't let the difficulties I've had in the past to set a barrier to my future. I feel very energetic and happy right now. I have family and friends who love and trust me. I am very lucky to have them. I've never been pessimistic. I always think well and positively; I always renew my hope. This is my source of strength, my secret to life, and my recipe.”

I WANT TO SHOW WHAT I CAN ACHIEVE

Expressing that she loves learning new things and meeting people, Dilasu Madran continued as follows: “I love spending time at my school. Every time I come here, I feel relaxed and collect new memories. In my free time, I prefer watching movies, traveling, listening to music and reading books. I have a hard time typing because my arms are prosthetic. I asked my academics to make my exam questions 'multiple choice' rather than written. They also supported me in this matter, I am thankful to them. While I was studying, I clearly understood that I made the right choice of university. I have a childhood goal of going abroad. I had chosen my major for this reason. After graduation, I want to go to England to improve myself and show what Dilasu can achieve there.” 

GLAD TO KNOW DILASU

Burçin Önder, Director of IUE Vocational School, said that Dilasu's story, her hard work and determination impressed her a lot. Önder said, “Dilasu is very precious to us, she is our source of energy. She is a student who regularly follows her classes, attends social events, and often visits me and instills happiness in me. I'm glad I got to know Dilasu, glad she is with us. As the Vocational School, we will continue to stand by and support Dilasu in every aspect. Dilasu, who overcame all the difficulties she experienced and never lost her faith in life, will surely achieve new successes and will continue to make us proud after graduation, just as she does now.”