Mariamu

In 2009 I was introduced to Mariamu's story during a commercial for that Friday night's 20/20 on ABC. Mariamu is a woman from Tanzania who has albinism. Due to her albinism, she was attacked in the middle of her night while sleeping with her 2 year old son and her arms were cut off. Unfortunately this attack was not one of a kind. It's a big problem in Tanzania as it is believed the body parts of people with albinism hold mythical properties and are used by witch doctors in potions in that country. Over 60 people with albinism have been murdered for this reason in the past three years. A long time friend of mine, Laura, also has albinism and when I saw the commercial, I immediately thought of her. Of course I watched the show that evening and was horrified at the atrocities going on in Tanzania, but was incredibly touched by Mariamu's story.

Shortly after then, Laura mentioned Mariamu and we got to talking about the story. As it turned out, a doctor in the DC area was going to donate two prosthetic arms to Mariamu. Mariamu was coming to the United States to receive them. The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) thought that instead of having her stay in a hotel, a home stay in the area would be better and more comfortable for her. Laura's wonderfully caring mother jumped at the request for a home stay and Mariamu, her interpreter and her nurse stayed at the DeWitt home during their time in the United States.


Mariamu with Joyce (her nurse), Vicky (her interpreter) and Kitty DeWitt (Laura's mom) during her visit to the US. Photo from ABC News.


Mariamu's updated story aired on 20/20 last night and luckily I am FINALLY in the same city as Laura so I went over to her place to watch it with her, Katy and Tasha. Laura was able to make a trip home for a few days while Mariamu was staying at her mom's and after the show, she shared her experiences of that weekend with us. One of the most touching is before Mariamu got her new arms, in order to hug people she would nestle her head into the person's chest. A most intimate and loving hug. She also said that Mariamu was in tears questioning how people in such a far away country are so kind and loving to her while people in her own country have been so cruel. She's such a brave, courageous and inspiring woman. Currently Mariamu and her son are living at separate schools. Laura's mother donated money to purchase land to build a house for Mariamu and her son. Laura is hoping to go to Tanzania next summer to help build Mariamu and Nio their new home.

Please please please go to 20/20's website and watch the episode. It's uploaded on their website in parts. The first two are other people's stories and parts 3, 4 and 5 are about Mariamu. Much more awareness needs to be raised about this problem in Tanzania. If you are so moved, please also visit the following websites to read more and donate if you can:
Asante Mariamu
Under The Same Sun