In 2010, during a worktrip I met a group of wonderful people living with leprosy in a small town, Paralakhemundi, in Odisha State India. At that time they welcomed me, showing me incredible hospitality, care and warmth inspite of their own hardships and complete isolation from the rest of society - due to unwarranted stigma and fear of leprosy. In normal times they have struggled with getting the access to the healthcare they need for their disabilities caused by the leprosy.

Fast forward all these years and incredibly the group are still together, but struggling under the hardships of a very harsh COVID 19 lockdown and recent closure of borders with neighbouring states. They are now unable to venture out and beg for, or purchase the food and medicines they desparately need and the massive increase in prices of basic food stuff in this past month alone - means that everything costs at least 1.5 to 2 times as much as before and they are at risk of starving.

We are looking for donations of money no matter how big or small to help with food (rice, dahl onion, oil and protein) and for their basic health care . This money will go directly to the group (there's 25 people living together), there is no administration involved.

For years I have followed the progress of these individuals with wonder, from afar. Ramulu Ma is pictured passing around photos of my kids with real delight. She is an incredible lady with quite a story.

Thank you so much Liza Mimi Diets John and Steve