Murugan is a 14-year-old boy from a small village near Cuddalore. Like most children his age, he loves playing in the street with his friends, especially shooting marbles. But some months ago, something changed. His teacher noticed that his handwriting was getting worse. He was also struggling to eat and write properly. Concerned, the teacher spoke to his parents. That was the first time anyone realised something might be wrong.

Worried, his mother took him to the nearby Primary Health Centre (PHC). After a few tests, they were told the word no parent is ever prepared to hear—leprosy. They found pale, numb patches on his back and arms. He was put on medication and started treatment.

At home, life wasn’t easy. Murugan found it difficult to get ready on his own, keep up with school, or even eat with ease. His mother, holding on to every bit of strength she had, took him to a private Hospital. He was treated with steroids and physiotherapy, but the doctors said he would need surgery to correct his clawed hand.

She didn’t hesitate. She just wanted her son to get better.

Murugan’s pre-surgery treatment has started at The Leprosy Mission Hospital in Vadathorasalur. He’s now getting ready for surgery and so that surgery could be done soon and after healing, he could go back to doing the things he loves.

But behind this young boy’s smile is a story of silent struggles. His parents are separated. His father left after hearing about his diagnosis. Since then, it’s just been Murugan, his mother, and his two siblings. His mother works as a daily wage labourer to support the family. She hasn’t even told her other children about his illness, fearing what people might say.

At the hospital, our team helped her understand that leprosy is not something to be ashamed of. We counselled the family and offered them support. When asked how he felt about the surgery, Murugan simply said, “I’m strong. I want to become a doctor and help others like me. For that, I need to be healthy.”

We’re sharing Murugan’s story because he’s one of many children who suffer quietly, not just from a disease, but from the fear and stigma that comes with it. His courage is inspiring, and his mother’s hope is something we all want to hold on to.

We believe Murugan can become a doctor one day. But he needs your support. Your help can ensure that children like Murugan get the surgery, care, and dignity they deserve—no matter how poor or forgotten their families are.

Leprosy has already taken away so much from him—his education, his friends, and the simple joys of being a child. But together, we can change his future.

I am sure you will you stand with Murugan, to give him a second chance at life?

Even a s mall donation can make a big difference. Let’ s help Murugan fight leprosy and build a future full of hope.

Your generosity can transform Murugan’s life. By donating today, you will provide the treatment, surgery, and care he needs to reclaim his future and help us move closer to a world free from leprosy.

As you all are aware, we are a not-for-profit hospital that depends largely on charity to provide essential treatments to our patients. Most of our patients, like Murugan, come from extremely marginalised circumstances and cannot afford treatment in private hospitals. It is also true that Leprosy treatments are not provided in most of the hospitals in India and The Leprosy Mission hospitals are almost unique in the comprehensive hospital healthcare provided to people affected by leprosy.