Timely support saved my life!

I am Pandiyan (name changed) aged 49 years residing in a village in Salem District. I have been living happily with my wife and three children until I was diagnosed with leprosy. I was also partially losing my eye-sight due to old age and my family tried to isolate me. I was intending to commit suicide because of the constant emotional abuse of my son. I had nowhere to go and struggled without any love and support.

To add to my hardship, I also developed ulcers in my foot which created stench smell around. Everyone started complaining about my condition and my wife isolated me completely. One day, team from St.Mary’s Leprosy hospital supported by DFIT came to my village and promised to rescue from my suffering and also counseled me and my family members for cataract surgery and self-care. They facilitated to get my cataract surgery done. After undergoing the surgery, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was excited to look at my face into the mirror as I had not done so for nearly three years. I also shared my experience with everyone in the hospital who empathized with me.

St.Mary’s Leprosy hospital helped in construction of toilet for my personal care to prevent taking any long-walks. Now I am free from ulcers in my feet. I am grateful to St.Mary’s for considering my condition and rescuing me from my struggle. My family has got along with me now. This timely support saved my life.