Turning points part II

"Then I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had to have a lung removed. My goal was to get back to Rugabari to stem the tide of deaths among the children, and four months after surgery, I was back climbing the track to the hilltop village with one lung. Locals have dubbed my route 'The Maggie Track' and have even put up a sign to that effect – even though most of them can’t read.

"In 2000, I was given an Order of Australia for my clinic work in rural Indian communities. People often ask me how I can do what I do. I tell them how much I admire the people I meet – their love, their openness, their lack of judgment and their ability to live in the now. Ever since I stepped out of my comfort zone all those years ago, I've found my life has gotten bigger and better. A big bonus is that I have a wonderful partner now, Allan, who encourages me in my full-time volunteer work every step of the way.

"The trust, meanwhile, has 700 children in its care; we've screened more than half a million villagers for leprosy; taught many tribal women new skills, including literacy, micro-managing skills and nutrition, and built a hospital for reconstructive and cataract surgery. The work never stops – there is still so much to do." To order Maggie's book, Sister, Sister, visit www.newhopeaustralia.org.

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