Bangladeshi man forced to live as recluse since children are afraid of tumour on his thigh

People in all parts of the world are plagued by rare conditions that leave them with life altering physical deformities. But while living with such disorders can be an ordeal, the stigma and discrimination they face in society due to lack of awareness can make life even more painful.

A 53-year-old from Bangladesh hasn’t walked in the last 40 years because of a mysterious condition that has left him with a massive 38 kg tumour. The horrifying growth his upper right leg has forced Haroon Patwari to live as a recluse as children are scared of him.

He is completely dependent on his wife and two children to help him stand up and provide financial support. The tumours appeared on Haroon’s body when he was just nine and his parents relied on alternative treatment due to lack of awareness and poverty.

Haroon was given some local medicines which failed to stop the tumour that spread and engulfed his leg by the time he was 30. His wife is heartbroken as she has seen Haroon suffer for 33 years, while adults in the village have come forward to support him since he can’t do anything on his own.

An activist named Mamun Biswas who raises awareness and funds for people with such conditions in Bangladesh on social media is also helping Haroon.