Lusineh Avagyan is a 37 year-old resident of Charentsavan who hasn't walked a step in the last twenty years.

The person to blame is a nurse who gave Lusineh a wrong injection when she was only a child. Over the years, getting around became more of a problem.

The family had no resources to send Lusineh abroad for treatment. They could do little for her here in Armenia.

"I do everything lying down. It's only when I go outside that they put me in this wheelchair," Lusineh says, adding that her mother, Mrs. Ofelia, and her sister, Laura, are the ones who look after her.

Due to her medical condition, Lusineh never attended school. For two years, teachers would come to the house and give her lessons.

"I really never wanted people to pity me or help me out in any way. I want to solve things myself," she says. In fact, Lusineh did so well studying at home that she now tutors her brother's children.

Lusineh spends most of her day knitting intricate lace patterns. She has been at it for the past 15 years.

"I start to knot as soon as I get up in the morning till the evening. Sure, it's tiring but never boring." Remember she is forced to knit while lying down.

One of her friends gave Lusineh a computer last year and she sometimes spends hours on various social websites.

She downloads photos of her lacework on the sites in the hope that someone will buy them or place an order.

Last year, Lusineh participated in the first exhibition of works by physically disabled individuals organized by the Unison NGO. She came in 2nd place in the needlework category.

The income for the family of six comes to 55,000 AMD per month.

Her sister Laura, trained as an actor, hasn't been working for the past three years. Previously, Laura had appeared in some TV serials and children's films.

The only one in the family that's now gainfully employed is Mrs. Ofelia, who receives a monthly salary of 31,000. Lusineh receives a pension of 24,000.

Laura says that after all the utility bills are paid there is nothing left from the pension.

Two years ago Lusineh underwent an operation at the St Nerses Medical Center in Arabkir. The family says the hospital asked for no payment and that all the staff treated them kindly and with respect.

Lusineh says she never permits herself to feel down in the dumps about her medical condition and that she always tries to keep busy.

"My daughter really likes being with people. Luckily, she has many good friends that visit and keep her company. It's a great boost for her emotions," says Lusineh's mother.

Lusineh confided that she has dreams, one being an individual exhibition of her needlework.

Two years ago a Friend in Yerevan had organized such an exhibition but it had to be cancelled at the last minute due to Lusineh's surgery.

"I also really want to visit France, even for a week. I've been dreaming about it for years. But it's out of the question, just like ever walking again," said Lusineh.

Her sister responded, "Why not dream? You can travel to France in a wheelchair and come home walking."