But I have realized that Lee would not want me to abandon our labor of love. So, as long as God gives me inspiration, I'll keep up with my Grace and Lace Letters, in memory of Lee, but mostly in honor of our Lord who loves us so much. Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is still active today in our modern world. It is a chronic infection caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy causes changes in the body which are often evident in a person's appearance.
Skin lesions appear on the body, arms, legs, and face.
Many of these lesions produce damage to the sensory nerves, which makes the skin numb in these areas. As the disease progresses, tissues are destroyed, and the lack of pain sensation leads to traumatic injuries to the hands and feet. Open sores are a pathway to infections, which are the cause of death in many cases. Persons with leprosy cannot hide their disease. It is visible on their faces and bodies.