My name is Danan, from the Dai ethnic group, and I’m 73 years old. I don’t remember when I contracted leprosy. I only remember that I have been living in the rehabilitation village for more than 50 years. Ever since we were quarantined in the mountains, my wife and I have worked hard in order to eke out a living. I didn’t have much knowledge about leprosy, so I didn’t know how much damage it could do to the human body. Only later did I gradually learn that the leprosy bacilli would destroy human nerve systems, resulting in numbness in limbs, loss of feelings, loss of the sensation of pain, and even loss of the ability to sweat.

To make a living, my wife and I opened a small canteen to sell a few simple household items. Each time when I purchased goods from the town, I had to walk several kilometers because there was no vehicle. Within a few years, my feet began to fester. Since I did not receive timely care, the ulcerated area kept growing and bled from time to time. I remember that one time the blood almost filled a pot, and I really thought I was going to die.

I offer many thanks to the doctors from the Go and Love Foundation. Ever since they came to visit us the first time, I saw hope for life again. They visited us two or three times a month. They carefully cleaned our ulcer, dressed our wounds, helped us to clip nails, made protective shoes and insoles for us, and brought us household goods. Each time they came to visit us, they would check to see whether we had any needs, and they would help us with all their hearts.

With the Foundation doctors’ help, the ulcers on my feet gradually healed. The wounds recovered effectively, and it no longer bled. My physical condition also improved considerably. I am really happy now. Every time the doctors come, they bring me a great deal of happiness and comfort, and we have gradually become good friends.