Life with Leprosy
Please read the stories in this section, and be encouraged by what your support of The Leprosy Mission can do for others.
For stories in countries were TLM Canada focuses its work, please visit the Our Work menu of this website.
Birke
The first signs of leprosy on Birke's body were detected when she was just six years old. By age eight, Birke was considerably disabled and very frightened about her future. Finally, at age 25, she came to the Leprosy Mission and was given Multi-Drug Therapy. By this time, her hands were severely clawed and she required surgery on her foot.
Leprosy had definitely left its mark.
Birke was unable to finish her schooling as a child, and after the birth of her first three daughters, she decided to rectify this situation. But Birke only spoke her native Ethiopian language of Amharic. So she spent many months learning English.
As a Christian, Birke has a deep faith in God and is grateful for the blessings he has given her through the Leprosy Mission. Today, Birke is the Chair of ENAELP (Ethiopian National Association of Ex-Leprosy Patients) and living a full life with hope for tomorrow.
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Modeste Modeste lives with his six-year-old son on a small island in the DR Congo. He has lived with leprosy for many, many years. The toll it has taken on his body is shocking. His wife took their other children and deserted him. She was afraid that the curse would spread to her daughters. For many people, the lack of education surrounding leprosy breeds fear and discrimination. It is not uncommon for those with leprosy to be left alone - rejected by their family and community.
His son does what he can to help, but he is only a small child. He does not understand why his mother left or why his father is so sick.
Leprosy has crippled Modeste to the point where he can no longer walk. His ankles and feet cannot hold the weight of his body. He has no choice but to travel around on his knees. Modeste's hands have only stumps for fingers and his face shows the ravages of leprosy. So many others in his position would have given up hope many years ago.
But not Modeste - he has never given up his independence.
Modeste now spends his days tending to his gardens. Among other produce, he grows sweet-corn, peanuts, sunflowers and bananas. Though he can just barely hold onto his garden hoe, he demonstrates great skill in tending to his plants.
The Leprosy Mission continues to help Modeste in whatever way possible. He has already completed his medical treatment and is completely cured. The Mission has taught him ways to care for his feet and hands so that they are not damaged further. He is very grateful for the support of the Mission and how we have taken great care to ensure that we do not take away any of his independent and courageous spirit.
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