Anatomy of TOP's Leprosy Village Projects

What humanity fears most is the unknown. Although leprosy (Hansen's Disease) is a well-known, feared disease, the world knows little about. The dreaded visual symptoms of leprosy, have prompted many who fear what they do not know, to ostracize victims from their families and communities for centuries . . . even to this day.

TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans targets humanitarian projects which receive little or no support from the outside. Our leprosy village projects examples this philosophy.

Leprosy villagers deeply appreciate our efforts. We may sometimes be the only help they get. Our demonstration of caring is the best commodity we have to offer. TOP is the "somebody out there who cares."

The leprosy village is one of our larger undertakings. They can be urban or rural projects. Climates and environments sometimes present challenges. Some villages we revisit.

(Above, Left--Active leprosy; Right--Bandage distribution)

TOP always carries a supply of special hand-sewn leprosy bandages. Additionally, we often have some basic medical supplies to present to the village.

A challenge for the team can often be where to put the goods, and how to distribute them, once we are there.The environment and space can sometimes be difficult.It may be wet and muddy, and difficult to establish distribution stations. Sometimes available space is cramped.

Locations may sometimes be hard to get too. Once, our bus got stuck in the mud, and leprosy villagers and TOP participants jointly pushed it out (not an easy task--we almost ended up staying overnight in the village). That night we returned with muddy faces, and tired bodies--but it was fun! It felt good to see and be a part of Vietnamese & Americans working hard at something together. They helped us that day, and we helped them too. What a great memory and experience!

We often hand-carry items a distance. Most everyone lends two hands & legs carting things to where they need to go. Once there, and the best spot for distribution is decided, items are stacked in stations, near each other. Villagers are notified in advance of our projects. Each villager has a family representative who is issued a voucher to be exchanged for TOP necessities. Villagers line up; then, after a voucher is surrendered, each respective villager goes down the line, one station at a time, and we hand them their items. TOP participants man all the stations. Many leprosy victims are elderly, fragile, and missing appendages. It is difficult for them to carry everything we give them. Some villagers will help each other. We often lend a hand too.

Before and after each project, TOP spends quality one-on-one time with villagers and children. Our greatest commodity comes from our hearts.

The leprosy village projects are very fulfilling for all who actively participate, as well as our supporters who contribute financial gifts, as well as bandages. We treasure our work and will share stories for years to come.

(Right--Family representatives with pre-issued vouchers to exchange for TOP necessities)

The icing on the cake with all projects are the leprosy bandages that come to us unsolicited from all over the world. Here is a random sampling of the many who have regularly sent bandages:

Susan A. Belanger, Gansevoort, NY

Embroidery Guild of America--Thread Artist Chapter, Bozeman, MT

Daytime Service Club, Renton, WA

The Larson Family, Paulden, AZ

Mary Bowen, Fridley, MN

P. Edwards, Denver, CO

Mrs. Lois Jones, Kenosa, WI

James W. & Virginia Young, New Auburn WI

Su Woolley, Hawthorne, CA

Judy Yant, Bel Air, MD

Sampson/Baisdon, Albuquerque, NM

Rev. Tyler Downing, First Presbyterian Church, Dalton, Georgia

Dr. & Mrs. John R. Fanchi, Arlington, TX

Bernice Murphy, Plymouth, IN

Sharon McBride, Hereford, AZ

Jundt/Mickle, Tempe, AZ

Catherine Danzilio, Albuqerque, NM

Nina Jarvice (Relief Society), Franktown, VA

Connie Imler, Jamesville, VA

Fridley High School Key Club and the Columbia Heights/Fridley Kiwanis Club, Fridley MN

Georgie Block, Fontana, CA

...The list goes on and TOP appreciates all our bandage makers.

(Below--TOP package sent to each trip participant; which includes bandages; TOP gear and other items to bring with them to Vietnam).


Finally and importantly, our leprosy projects are possible because of financial gifts made by TOP humanitarian supporters. We are grateful to our supporters and invite you to join this great cause. Please support our Leprosy Project with a financial gift to our Humanitarian Program.