Improvement

Deepti, a homeless street woman who came to us a few months ago, needed significant medical attention. A few years ago, Deepti was kidnapped and taken to a brothel in Mumbai, where she was forced to service numerous men each night. She managed to run away late one night, and make her way to the police station. She spent a few years at a shelter in Mysore, but somehow ended up back on the street.

Deepti has AIDS as well as tuberculosis, and a chronic infection in her cervix area. She is undergoing medication for her conditions.

Deepti takes her medicines regularly, and we're so excited because she is finally gaining weight! TB patients usually undergo significant weight loss before treatment, and HIV patients often experience wasting syndrome. Deepti was about 30 kg (66 lb) when she first came to us. After about a month on the TB meds, they begin to gain weight. For Deepti, that process took three months. She's just about finished with her TB treatment, and now weighs a much healthier 38 kg (84 lb).

Let's keep hoping that Deepti continues to improve and begins to enjoy a more peaceful and happy life at Karunya Mane.

Venkatesh, artist and athlete

Venkatesh recently won the top prize in an art competition at school. Just a few years ago, Venkatesh lived on the streets of Mysore with his mom and siblings and was in our street program. He enjoyed drawing and painting back then, and he still does today.

Getting a bath from mom in 2005, and doing some painting in our street program.

At Karunya Mane, Venkatesh takes twice-weekly karate lessons. He is also a great cricket player and all-around athlete, and recently won several prizes in athletic events at school.