It’s the haunting shame of leprosy sufferers that has driven Audrey Sheffield to volunteer for Leprosy Mission Australia for 44 years.
Audrey, aged 89, is unstinting in her devotion to care for people who suffer so much and help them achieve a measure of independence and self-assurance.
After her husband joined the newly formed Townsville Auxiliary of the Leprosy Mission in June 1980, Audrey and Ralph used to host its meetings at their home. At first, Audrey used to hide in the bedroom and only emerge to serve refreshments. But then she caught the vision and joined the Auxiliary the following February.
After her husband died in 2010, Audrey took over as team leader and organised many functions to raise funds and awareness of a condition that still blights the lives of thousands of people in countries like India, Timor Leste, and Papua New Guinea.
“Oh, to see what people go through!” she says when asked why the work of Leprosy Mission touches her heart.
“You feel so much for them. There’s that terrible stigma that they have. We’re trying to get rid of that, but it’s very hard.”
Having been a faithful supporter, prayer warrior, team leader, and hospitality provider, Audrey, at age 89, still drives to shopping centres twice a week to sell items from The Leprosy Mission Shop.
“What’s driven me on is the good being done for the leprosy patients – they’re all going forward with so much – and you just feel for them.
“They’re doing all they can to help, with all the rehabilitation going on and the people who are making the prostheses for arms and legs. When someone has a prosthesis and can walk and has been given a shot at running, it’s a wonderful achievement.
“They’re also teaching different skills so that they can open up a shop and get a bit of independence and income and self-assurance.”
Audrey is excited that the upcoming screening of the film Molokai in Townsville on 31 August will raise awareness of a condition that never makes the headlines.
“Not a lot of people have thought of it. You don’t hear anything about it in the news. Hopefully, the screening of Molokai on Saturday will give an insight into it.”
While Audrey has had two bouts of cancer since her husband Ralph died in 2010, she hopes to keep going with her twice-weekly stalls.
“Pray that people become aware of leprosy and help because finance is always a big thing, so pray that people will respond when you get your mail.
“I just pray that my health will hold up and that I’ll still be able to continue working at the stalls.”
Written by Anne Lim.
Anne Lim writes for Leprosy Mission Australia.
