Doraikannu grew up helping his dad with the cows. He loved his life, so when he noticed discoloration on his leg and face, he figured it was from working with the animals and thought nothing of it. Soon after, the splotches spread all over his body. He was just 15 years old when he went in for leprosy treatment and has never been back to his village since.
Fifty years later, Doraikannu and his wife live in a slum north of Chennai. We met them in 2016 and discovered that Doraikannu loved hearing stories from the Bible, especially when our staff member Solomon told them.
He and Solomon became very close friends, and one day Doraikannu said: “I lost all my friends ever since I was affected with leprosy, after that I never had a friend. But now in my 60s I got a new friend”.
Because of that friendship and love Doraikannu is happier than ever. It is the true love of God that changes lives and brings great joy to these precious lives.
So many of our friends with leprosy were forced to leave their villages and their families at the onset of their disease. Men like Doraikannu and Prakasam left all they knew because of the stigma of leprosy and the shame attached to it. Thank you for helping us restore dignity to their lives.
With your help, we are able to share food, medical bandages, custom shoes, Christ’s love, create a beautiful community where friendships can thrive, and so much more. Thank you for making a difference.
To learn more about what we do and to partner in making a difference, head to our website. Thank you for your compassion in giving and for caring for those suffering and looking for hope.