KIT Blog

Shakti, 16, from Nepal, was just two and a half years old when sore red patches appeared on her legs. Over time these wounds got bigger and ulcerated and just wouldn’t heal. Shakti remembers how the pain in her legs made her feel miserable. Initial tests for leprosy came out negative. So began a ten-year loop of various hospital visits, medication, and follow ups.

Finally at age 14 Shakti was diagnosed with leprosy. She started Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) which cured the disease, but Shakti still had battles ahead of her.  “I knew about this disease and how people discriminate and hated people affected by leprosy… It’s made me so sad. Everyone looks down on me. They don’t want me around them. My neighbours hate me and won’t let me leave my house. They think I’ll infect their children.”

Thank God her parents and family have been supportive. “My parents love me very much, they treated me the same, before or after I was diagnosed.” This love and support were greatly needed after a follow up visit to Anandaban Hospital. “The doctor told me that the disease had spread to the bone and that I needed to have my leg amputated.” This devastating news put a stop to her dreams. “I worked so hard to pass my school exams and I hoped to go on to university. I dreamt of studying to become a doctor but instead, I am here."

Your prayerful support is needed for children like Shakti to live a full life, free from disease and discrimination. Free from the life-long consequences that disability can bring. Thanks to the love and support from people like you Shakti is now preparing to have a prosthetic leg fitted. “I am really excited to get the prosthetic leg… I can't wait to go back home walking on both of my feet and showing it to everyone.” Thanks to faithful prayers like you Shakti is also studying commerce and accounting. “I still want to study and work and be independent."

Pray for Shakti as she continues to heal and prepares for how her life will change again once she receives her prosthetic leg. Pray for her neighbours to gain a greater understanding of leprosy and that they may be accepting of her.

Give thanks for the tireless work of the staff at Anandaban who provide support, counselling, and high-quality treatment for people affected by leprosy. Pray they will continue to bring healing and hope to all who come to them for help.
 

Please consider giving tlc (total loving care) to another child like Shakti and help restore a life.

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