The faces of the magazine

Pillala Suramma's story

Pillala Suramma, a woman from Visakhapatnam District, India, began her journey with leprosy when she was just 26 years old. Like many people affected by the disease, Suramma had no idea what the spots appearing on her skin were and no reason to suspect it could be symptoms of leprosy. Despite spending significant amounts of money seeking medical help, the condition went undiagnosed, all the while, the illness was spreading through her body.

Eventually, Suramma was diagnosed with leprosy at one of The Leprosy Mission's hospitals and began Multi Drug Therapy. Unfortunately, her illness did not disappear overnight. For three years, she stayed on the medication while experiencing leprosy reactions, including malnutrition and ulcers across her hands and toes. Once these reactions were under control, Suramma was able to undergo two reconstructive surgeries at two TLM hospitals.

Alongside the physical challenges of leprosy, Suramma was faced with the heartbreak following her husband's death and, soon after, financial struggles while trying to provide for her two sons.

Unfortunately, her struggles from leprosy have not ended as she has gotten older. Now 60 years old, Suramma lives with her eldest son and his family. She continues to face challenges such as everyday tasks like walking and cooking, as well as, discrimination from her community. The impact of this discrimination ultimately prevented her from attending her sons wedding.

Although every day brings a different challenge, Suramma says she is alive today because of her grandchildren, who bring her joy. She spends much of her time sharing stories with them, playing with them, and helping them dream about their future.

Ayaba Aliu's
story

Ayaba Aliu is 19 years old and lives with her mother, father, and six siblings in Nigeria. Her father is affected by leprosy, which impacts the use of his hands.

Ayaba's journey of struggle began when her family faced severe financial hardship, making it difficult for her to continue attending school. Over time, she lost interest in learning any skills and felt deeply sad and isolated. She describes feeling completely alone, with no help coming from anywhere, and often felt invisible in her pain, to the point where she wanted to leave her community.

The turning point came when Mama Sadia, her adopted grandmother through TLM's Farinciki project, reached out to her. At first, Ayaba didn't want to talk, feeling no hope that anyone could help. But Mama Sadia persisted, asking her again about her struggles. This persistence encouraged Ayaba to open up about her situation, mainly the lack of financial support for her education.

The most important advice Mama Sadia gave Ayaba was simple but powerful: "Go to school. It will make a difference and help you become somebody in life."

Today, Ayaba feels a profound sense of fulfilment. She is preparing to take her final secondary school exams — a significant achievement that fills her with hope rather than hopelessness.

Through this journey, Ayaba has discovered boldness in herself: the courage to speak up and engage with the world around her.

Looking to the future, Ayaba sees a thriving life ahead. She dreams of becoming a medical doctor and now feels happiness when she thinks about what lies ahead.

To young people going through similar struggles, Ayaba's advice is clear: "Go to school. It gives you self-satisfaction even if you're unsure of your future plans."

Makenda Jean's story

Mankenda Jean had a career as a house builder when he was diagnosed with leprosy. The diagnosis discouraged him, because it is nearly impossible to find effective treatment where he is from in Angola. Most of the time, those who are diagnosed with leprosy are abandoned by their family and community out of fear.

Jean was forced to leave his home and travel to Congo for treatment. He faces loneliness at the hospital, but he can access the care he needs. He has impairments in his hands and feet, which make it impossible to do construction work and difficult even to walk. Even so, he has made incredible progress — his wounds are healing quickly, and many marks on his skin have gone away.

Jean also joined the Organisation of Persons Affected by Leprosy in Congo (OPALCO) to learn more about leprosy. Since joining, he has attended seminars to better understand his condition.

When asked what he would tell someone who had just received a leprosy diagnosis, he said that he would encourage them to get to the hospital as soon as possible. At the hospital, they can receive treatment and meet people from OPALCO to teach them how to live a flourishing life in spite of leprosy.