My name is Juyoung Ri and I am 16 years old. I have been ill with tuberculosis since 2014. At first, I had a fever and didn’t cough much. I thought I just caught a cold. I was often short of breath however, and was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the pleura. Treatment with ordinary TB medications did not help.

I met the EugeneBell delegation at this treatment center for the first time on November 30, 2016. It was a very cold day, especially as we had to be processed for admission in the open air. I tested positive and started treatment six months ago. Of the six medications for multidrug-resistant TB, the most difficult are para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) and the daily injection. Whenever I take PAS, it makes me nauseous and gives me a headache. I take it with a little food which seems to help.

In the morning, after taking my medications, I usually lie down for some rest because medications make me feel weak. Mornings are the most difficult time of the day. Sometimes I become very nauseous and have to take side-effect medications to settle my stomach. In the afternoon I enjoy watching TV. I have two roommates who treat me like their sister. I’m the youngest, so they do the cooking and take care of me.

I quit school when I was in the fourth grade. I miss my classmates and would like to go back to school. There are so many things that I would love to do, but am unable now because I’m too sick and short of breath. I am dreaming of a wonderful future after a complete recovery! My parents are waiting for me to return home. My mother visited me ten days ago. She always asks me if I am better. I think of my donor while trying my best to be cured. Please say thank you to my donor.