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Marianne Reunites with Her Children Against All Odds
Once frail and bedridden due to leprosy, abandoned by her family and community, Marianne has risen from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope.
We first shared Marianne’s story on World Leprosy Day 2023, she was frail, bedridden, and in constant pain from leprosy.
Abandoned by her husband, rejected by her community, and separated from her children, Marianne was in a desperate situation. Her youngest child, just 18 months old, had been taken from her, and she hadn’t seen her since, leaving her heartbroken and isolated.
When Jasleen, LMNZ’s International Programmes Manager, visited Bougainville in 2023, she was struck by Marianne’s story of pain and despair. But during a recent visit, the transformation was nothing short of miraculous.
Marianne, once frail and weak, stood tall and strong, with her health fully restored. Her spirit, once crushed, was now full of hope and resilience. Jasleen could hardly recognise her.
Jasleen also had the privilege of introducing Marianne to Gillian Whitley, our Executive Director, both of whom were moved by the incredible change they saw in her.
“I could hardly believe it was the same young woman we met in 2023,” Jasleen said. “Marianne is no longer just a survivor; she’s become a beacon of hope and strength, not only for herself but for others as well.”
While the physical healing was remarkable, Marianne’s emotional journey remains ongoing. She is still deeply affected by the loss of her youngest child, whom she hasn’t seen since they were taken away… but has been joyfully reunited with three of her other children.
Testament to the power of support, faith, and resilience
Through the care she received from the Leprosy Mission’s team, Marianne has regained her health, confidence, with a new sense of hope. She is no longer the fragile woman she once was, but a strong, determined advocate for others in need.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all supporters like you, who prayed for Marianne, sent messages of encouragement, and offered their unwavering support.
As Proverbs 31:9 reminds us: “Defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Thank you for living out this powerful message and being a source of hope and strength for Marianne.
Through the Bougainville Healthy Communities Programme, Village Health Promoters are receiving training to find hidden leprosy cases like Marianne’s; 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 Promoters are also helping to improve diet and hygiene within the communities.
God bless you for standing alongside Marianne on her journey of healing, and for making a positive impact on her life and the lives of others like her in Bougainville.
