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Marianne's Journey: From Abandoned to Advocate
Blossoming in Bougainville
Remember Marianne from our World Leprosy Day Appeal for Bougainville?
Her story of resilience and transformation is nothing short of inspirational. Once abandoned and left for dead due to leprosy, Marianne's life has undergone a miraculous turnaround thanks to the support of New Zealand supporters and dedicated healthcare workers.
Marianne's battle with leprosy was compounded by a severe immune response known as Leprosy Reaction, leaving her in constant agony and without the strength to stand. Her children were taken from her, and she was ostracized by her community, who believed she was cursed. Despite these overwhelming challenges, hope arrived in the form of Raphael, the Leprosy Control Officer.
When Raphael first found Marianne, she was unable to feed herself. Today, she stands as a beacon of strength and recovery.
Her health has improved dramatically, and her confidence has been restored. Marianne has become a powerful advocate for leprosy awareness and support.
During a recent visit, Marianne introduced Raphael and Jasleen (International Programmes Manager) to a young girl named Donna, whom she suspected was showing signs of leprosy. Marianne's keen observation was correct, and Raphael diagnosed Donna, who is now on the path to recovery.
Marianne's story is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and perseverance. Thanks to the care and support provided, not only has Marianne's life been transformed, but she is also helping to restore the lives of others like Donna.
Thank you for embodying Proverbs 31:9 – defending the rights of the poor and needy. Your support has not only restored Marianne's life but has also ignited a ripple effect of healing and hope throughout Bougainville.
With your support, through the Bougainville Healthy Communities Programme, communities are able to learn the causes and consequences of leprosy. There are far fewer people now who believe leprosy is a curse. They are seeing that it is a curable disease.
Village Health Volunteers are helping to improve diet and hygiene within the communities. A well-nourished child can better fight off leprosy.
You are an important partner in enabling Bougainville's children to be healthy and with strong immune systems.
Thank you - your kindness and compassion have helped train Village Health Volunteers in Bougainville to find hidden leprosy cases like Marianne's.
Village Health Volunteers are embedded in their communities, some very remote from health services.
Each day they walk hand in hand with people affected by leprosy like Marianne on the journey to being cured.
