MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA – 22-year-old Durga Uikey was living a normal life, as best as she could, when suddenly, two years ago, she began experiencing extreme pain in her lower jaw. Being daily wage workers, she and her parents could only afford going to a small, local clinic and a government hospital in Betul. A few of Durga’s teeth were extracted, thinking they were causing the pain, but her pain persisted. Soon her mandible was deformed and the entire lower part of her face was swollen. Durga not only had to suffer the pain of her deformity but also the humiliation and mockery of anyone who saw her. She was unable to speak, eat and had to look for alternate work every day.
As daily wage workers, often her parents wouldn’t find work and would come back without a wage for the day. With the severe instability of income, the three of them decided to stop Durga’s treatment. As expected, her condition only worsened.
A HOPE UNIMAGINED AND A SMILE RESTORED
This young woman reached out to Operation Blessing about eight months ago but couldn’t make it for her surgery because of the Covid lockdown. During this time her tumour has grown four times in size and the pain continues to handicap her. Durga’s major reconstructive surgery is now complete and the tumour as well as her mandible have been removed. Even though she is still in the recovery stage, her smile has been restored because partners like YOU have made it possible for her to have a painless future.
Generous partners like you have made it possible for Durga to have hope that her life will be turned around for the better. She thanks you for your support.
