Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Don't Forget to Groan, 11/17

Having been to Kazakhstan a few years ago, I was especially moved by this:

Mayra Zhumageldina bathes her daughter, Zhannoor, in Semey, Kazakhstan on March 2, 2009. Zhannoor, 16, was born with microcephalia and sixth-degree scoleosis - a twisted spine because of exposure to high levels of radiation. The defect harmed Zhannoor's brain development as if she were in a permanent vegetative state. She cannot think, speak or perform basic functions. Mayra must bathe her every day because she cannot afford diapers.

For more on the radioactive legacy of Kazakhstan, click here.

(Why should we groan?)


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