Support 150 Tuberculosis Patients in Moldova

For some patients, tuberculosis (TB) is a wake-up call, a signal to turn around their lives. Three of them, Aliona, Alexandru, and Vadim, talked about this to Speranta Terrei’s dear friend, Iris, when she visited Balti during our recent Orthodox Easter holidays.

Iris has been involved with Speranta Terrei for 14 years, starting with a connection to a Moldovan pupil at the English school where she taught, King William’s College. The school held charitable events to benefit Speranta Terrei’s patients and Iris spotted a cause which enriches her to this day. Speranta Terrei’s president, Feodora (Dora), is an inspiration to Iris, “She carries an aura of calmness and determination, which is reflected in her achievements and the friendships she has made over the years.”

The most memorable moment of Iris’ discussions with patients was when Aliona told her she had lived on the street and she had done bad things, saying,“Thanks to this disease, I met people that cared and were very kind to me. Now I understand I have to live because of people who need me and are not indifferent.” Aliona felt she was given a second chance, a chance to recover her health and live in an apartment together with her daughter and grandchildren. Doctors and nurses at the hospital where she was treated for TB impressed her with their care and kindness. After she was discharged, Speranta Terrei’s treatment supporters, called moderators, brought her medicine for drug-susceptible TB as part of a program of Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) to increase treatment completion.

Alexandru and Vadim told Iris how alcohol had consumed their lives. Vadim even fell into an alcohol coma and his parents took him to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with TB. Vadim said, “I used to drink a lot, I was weak and couldn’t walk, I couldn’t control my legs, it was awful. Then, in the hospital, the nurses took care of me and since I have come home, a moderator brings me medicine every day. I am very glad I can walk and speak with you now. I definitely want to be cured and start a new life.”

Iris was so moved by the patients’ stories and their positive outlook on life, saying “unanimously, they praised the doctors, nurses, and charities supporting them. They felt like human beings treated with respect and dignity.” We are moved by Iris’ words and her family’s enduring help to Speranta Terrei and TB patients. We could not provide this support without such friends and without our GlobalGiving donors. Many thanks to all of you.