As many people across the globe celebrate Diwali this week, we hope that the inspirational real-life stories of recovery and resilience, help to brighten your days as the nights draw in this autumn.
Thanks to the incredible kindness and generosity of our supporters, we are able to detect and treat even more people with undiagnosed leprosy and lymphatic filariasis (LF) before more significant disabilities develop. With your continued support, we can help even more people like Kiran, who with thanks to Lepra's community detection approach, was able to receive timely and effective care.
Aged 26, Kiran lives with her husband and four children in India's Jamui district. Her daily life includes caring for her loved ones and looking after the family home. She had developed a swollen leg affecting her mobility but like many women in her community, she had little time to focus on her own health - until a routine check changed her priorities.
Through door-to-door community detection, Kiran was diagnosed with LF. Provided with custom-made footwear to alleviate her discomfort when walking, combined with daily self-care and gentle exercises, her swelling gradually reduced and her mobility improved. LF infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes. Usually acquired in childhood, the infection causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system which can cause debilitating symptoms for people affected. For people with a delayed diagnosis LF, swelling of their legs and feet can severely impact their ability to attend education, earn a livelihood and people often face prejudice in their community. Kiran’s story not only shows the vital importance of early detection but also the provision of protective footwear for people affected by LF. Read her story and find out more about the treatment and aftercare services which have helped her return to a life of dignity and independence.
Our winter Giving 'Shoesday' appeal will once again focus on Lepra's life-changing footwear which for generations has become a vital lifeline for people affected by leprosy and LF. Our coinciding match-funding campaign will mean a donation of £6.50 to provide a pair of protective footwear, will be doubled thanks to the generosity of our match funders!
Read more about the '£1 from you, we get two' match-funding offer in our upcoming issue of Lepra News along with news, updates and inspirational stories of the work you have helped enable.
Thank you for your valued support,
Jimmy Innes
Lepra Chief Executive | 
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