Yangataswamy's Story
A Father’s Hope: Living Beyond Leprosy
Yangataswamy was just 10 years old when the first signs of leprosy appeared—small, pale patches on his skin and a troubling loss of sensation in his feet. What seemed minor quickly became life-altering. As the disease progressed, ulcers formed, his hands curled into a clawed position, and he lost partial vision in one eye.
By age 15, leprosy had taken a deep toll on his body—and his future.
But thanks to Karigiri Hospital, and the faithful support of ministries like Hope Rises International, Yangataswamy found a place of compassion, healing, and dignity.
“I was treated like a person, not a disease,” he shares.
Healing and Hope Through Leprosy Care
Over the years, Karigiri Hospital has become a second home for Yangataswamy. On this visit, he has spent 25 days recovering from a serious foot ulcer caused by leprosy-related nerve damage. He recently underwent surgery, and doctors have provided him with specialized CAD/CAM footwear to prevent future ulcers—a crucial step in long-term leprosy management.
Though he still struggles to stand unaided, there is new hope.
His story is a reminder that leprosy is not just a disease of the skin—it isolates, disables, and often leaves those affected without the means to support themselves. But with the right care, and the love of Christ expressed through local churches and healthcare workers, lives can be restored.
A Marriage Made Possible by Mercy
At age 50, Yangataswamy was ready to get married, but his fiance’s parents were hesitant—fearful of the stigma still attached to leprosy. But Karigiri Hospital once again stepped in, providing a medical certificate confirming that he was no longer infectious. That simple act opened the door to marriage—and eventually, a family.
Now, the couple has a 5-year-old daughter who just began school.
“She is our joy,” he says. “I hope she will go for higher studies. But we don’t have the money.”
Yangataswamy receives a small government stipend, and his wife works to provide for the family. Neither of them are educated, but they dream of a better life for their daughter. Her school fees are covered through grade 10, but transportation, meals, and supplies are still out of reach. Local churches may help, but the need remains great.
Living Beyond Leprosy, Hoping in God
Today, Yangataswamy is no longer battling active leprosy, but the effects linger. His physical limitations, social distance from his wife, and financial struggles all speak to the long shadow this disease can cast.
And yet, he continues to hope—for healing, for strength, and for his daughter’s future.
“I’m not doing much now,” he says. “But I can move. I’m still here. And I want my daughter to grow.”
At Hope Rises International, we believe every person affected by leprosy deserves to be seen, healed, and given dignity through the love of Jesus. Thanks to our generous donors, families like Yangataswamy’s are experiencing transformation—physically, spiritually, and generationally.
Because healing is more than medicine. It’s hope. It’s faith. And it’s the power of God at work through your generosity.
Hope Starts With Healing
Right now, men, women, and children are suffering—isolated by disease, alone in their pain, and without hope. But together, we can change that.
From delivering critical medicines and supplies to equipping pastors with training and resources to care for their communities, we are reaching even the most marginalized people with the healing and hope they most desperately need. With your support today, Hope Rises!
