Munu Mahato is 29 years old and lives in the Kadamdih village of the Potka district of Jharkand, with her father, step mother and five siblings. She lost her mother at a very young age. Her step mother has never been kind to her because she is “cursed” with leprosy.
Five years ago, she noticed pale patches on her left arm. She ignored it, thinking they would go away. Instead, it became worse, her arm to grew weak, and her fingers began to curl. She was treated by a local doctor to no avail. She was diagnosed to have leprosy and treated for it at Government hospital in Karandi, Jamshedpur. She was cured of the disease but the deformity in her hand remained. She was ill treated by the people in her village. Her life became miserable.
When the field team of Damien Foundation went to the village she consulted them. She was counseled and advised to undergo corrective surgery. She agreed.
She realized that after surgery she could set up a petty shop or would start tailoring business that could help her regain the confidence and respect of the people around her and lead her to live the life of a normal woman.
Your support will certainly help her in her journey to a better life full of promise.