Real Lives

This year, TLM’s theme is our JUST CAUSE.  Below you can read about how we are acting out our commitment to bring healing and justice into the lives of real people, individuals affected by leprosy everyday.

Huang Yongjian

Huang Yongjian lives in Baizhu Leprosy Village

“I am 70 years old, but I was diagnosed with leprosy and sent here when I was 10. 15 years later I returned home to the farm as my condition had improved, but having no feeling in my hands I was unaware of damage being done to them. My wounds became increasingly serious, started to ulcerate and eventually began to rot. I returned to Baizhu when I was 43.

“One day in 2008, I lost my eyesight. Because I don’t have fingers and was blind, it was difficult to eat and go to the washroom by myself.

“As moving around was difficult, I always stayed indoors. I had only myself to speak to, with few visitors and no radio, and became more and more isolated.

“For me day was just like night, and I thought this is how it would be until the day I died.

“In 2010, a HANDA eye doctor came to our village, and told me I had cataracts, but that I would see again after surgery. Although I was worried about surgery, the day after the operation, when they removed the gauze eye-patch, I really saw the light! Now, after 3 months, my eyes can see much more clearly.

“I can use my hands to hold a spoon to eat, and can take a shower by myself. The ulcers on my foot are healing, and I can move around freely.

“Life has become meaningful to me. I must value my life and have a good life in the days I can see”.

Many more people like Huang Yongjian can benefit from the work of HANDA and other TLM funded projects in China, but we need your help to make it happen. In 2011 The Leprosy Mission Scotland is committed to raising nearly £25,000 towards improving the quality of life, self-confidence and independence of people affected by leprosy in China, enabling them to live dignified lives. Will you help by making a donation towards this vital work in China?