Dehradun, India-Nicole Friedland, Interplast chief development officer. Photo by John Urban.
This beautiful lady was burned when she was adding kerosene to a lit lamp and her synthetic clothes caught fire and fused to her skin. Her neck is restricted in movement and her armpit is contracted, so she can't raise her hand above her shoulder. She was amazingly joyful and her eyes were at peace. We were all struck by her lovely spirit. Many of the burn patients are depressed and withdrawn.
I asked specifically about her ability to remain so joyful in light of what she has suffered and how she is living each day. She paused, and was silent. Tears came to her eyes and she told us that the only reason she could feel this way was because of how her family loved her and accepted her. She said her husband has done everything possible to get her help and is a huge worry-wart. She warned us that he would be very anxious during her surgery today. Her four sisters have all jumped in to help her and to care for her two small boys while she is away. Her own parents have passed away but her husband's family is very caring to her. She says as long as they accept her, she is happy.
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