The Tribune

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A YEAR after the public rallied around Ezekiel Miller following his story of an infection that led to the amputation of both his legs and two fingers, the 22-year-old still spends about an hour each day pushing his wheelchair through the streets, hoping someone will spare a few dollars to help him make ends meet.

Public concern about Mr Miller's health was reignited after a video posted on Facebook on Wednesday showed him sitting in his wheelchair wearing black knitted gloves to cover sores on his hands.

His black shorts revealed where both of his legs had been amputated. The man recording the video claimed Mr Miller receives government assistance and a disability benefit, but said it is still not enough to sustain him. He appealed for public support to help improve Mr Miller’s quality of life.

Mr Miller told The Tribune yesterday that his body has become exhausted from having to manually push a standard wheelchair every day.

Last year, someone in Florida who had been following his story donated a motorised wheelchair with the help of a donation from business owner Eddie Whan. However, he said the chair has since stopped working and needs repairs.

“I just need some help,” he said, adding he wants another mobile chair to be able to move without strain.

“I aint feel like pushing this wheel chair 24/7, messing up my hands. I done going through something.”

Mr Miller’s life changed dramatically after he stepped on a rusty nail at the age of 14, leading to an infection that resulted in multiple amputations. He lost his first leg at 14, his second at 19, and two fingers in 2024, leaving him with eight fingers.

Mr Miller said the infection has continued to progress, although he is not in physical pain. He said his mother plans to have another of his fingers amputated because of its deteriorating condition.

He sighed and said: “I mean, the legs done cut off anyway, so it’s going through the hands now.”

Mr Miller struggled to say whether he wanted surgery or prosthetic limbs to help with his condition. Seemingly hopeless, he said: “They can’t even move the infection in me anyway so.”

“It’s definitely hard for me still,” he said. “I basically can’t do too much.”

Last year, Mr Miller travelled to the United States seeking further medical treatment. He said doctors were unable to determine the cause of his condition, although they recommended surgery to remove a small piece of his leg.

The infection has also limited Mr Miller’s ability to find employment. Despite these challenges, he continues trying to earn an honest living and describes himself as a “hustler”.

Each day, he pushes himself more than a mile from his Caravel Beach home through downtown Freeport and surrounding areas, seeking financial assistance from passers-by.

Members of the Grand Bahama community have continued to support him, with some stopping to give him money for his daily needs. Mr Miller also credited business owner Eddie Whan, who provides him with a regular stipend.

Mr Miller said a bank account was opened after many people expressed a willingness to donate. However, he claimed much of the money was stolen after fraudsters hacked the account. The Tribune could not corroborate his claim up to press time, but he said he was devastated when he realised the funds had been taken.

He added that the experience forced him back onto the streets to survive.

For most of his life, Mr Miller is confined to a wheelchair. His life stands in stark contrast to that of many people his age, who are able to travel, socialise and enjoy their young adulthood.

Mr Miller admitted it is not always easy to stay strong.

“When I by myself, I get down sometimes,” he said, adding he tries not to show others when he’s sad.

“Certain things I can’t do, I just can’t do. I just sit down and patiently wait for someone just to help me or something, to be honest with you.”

Mr Miller said he is simply trying to do his best now.

He said anyone able to donate a motorised wheelchair or make a financial contribution would be greatly appreciated. He can be contacted at 242 827-1213.