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Maria’s Story

Names have been changed to preserve the privacy of the teller.

Maria’s Story

 Maria Agaro  is a surviving late- stage Sleeping Sickness patient, being treated with Melarsoprol. She lives alone in a nearby village, having outlived her 8 children and husband, who was a tailor. Some of her children died in the insurgence. She is approximately 75-80 years old, not knowing her age along with many who have no records. She has only one bed sheet and a dress to her name and lives on sugarcane, tea and some greens. “Happiness for me at my age, is not remembered. I only see my Life as having been difficult…and feel that surely the young have some moments of joy…as only they can do at their age.” Maria has one tooth, a twinkle in her eye…and looks as if Life will not capture her Spirit…as long as she can and wills the energy to survive!