A 44-year-old Brazilian man who was not expected to live for more than 24 hours after being born with an upside-down head has now had to put his life on hold after catching COVID-19, according to a report.
Claudio Vieira de Oliveira, from Monte Santo, suffers from arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a rare condition in which his head is turned all the way back, the US Sun reported.
It has also left him with muscle atrophy in his legs and arms attached to his chest, but it hasn’t stopped him from living a fulfilling life and becoming a motivational speaker.
“I’ve never had (trouble), my life is normal,” he told local news outlet G1.
But the ambitious and cheerful man got the bug and had to stay at home.
“I’m in full quarantine because this COVID is very aggressive, it’s deadly, so we’re scared. Save me, God, from this damn disease, ”Oliveira said to the outlet.
“I am more than twice as careful, I have been in isolation for over a year and I leave the house alone to find out things that only I can do, such as banking,” he added.
Claudinho, as he is called, has never been put off by his condition and has been on his knees since he was 7 years old. He learned to read and write at home from his mother.
And despite his acute deformity, he has no trouble seeing, breathing, eating or drinking.
Claudinho has also released a DVD, an autobiography and has been giving motivational speeches since 2000 – so being locked up was a challenge.
‘I miss it so much. I have a talk in the Bezerra Congregation, Pernamubco State, scheduled for April 28. If the pandemic subsides, we will continue, ”he said.
Claudinho, who volunteers with the Alegra-te Christian Education Project for Vulnerable Children, told the local media, “I want to watch my lectures and live for years to come.”