We would like to share this touching personal account composed by Ms Usha Jogia. She describes how she feels how her faith, service, association and mercy made a huge contribution to her physical healing process.
NB: In this article we are not suggesting that faith serves as an alternative or replacement to the important and respectable work of doctors or others in the medical profession. Rather, this beautiful story tells of how the faith aspect can potentially help patients undergoing serious challenges:
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“In last 37 years I’ve had 3 major devastating illnesses. In 2004 I was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease Diffused Scleroderma with Raynaud’s, high blood pressure followed by mild Lung fibrosis few years later.
Scleroderma is a very rare incurable auto-immune disease effecting the whole body including internal organs with severely tightening of skin, contracture of fingers, stiffness of the limbs and compression of blood vessels with high blood pressure and Raynaud condition. My hands and arms were crippled and I was in agony from inflammatory burning pain and severely tight skin.
DIVINE GRACE
Unaware, my miraculous healing journey began the moment my hands turned to making garlands for the Almighty. They gradually began to heal, and I could effortlessly make garlands, restoring my sense of worth.
I stopped resenting my hands, previously crippled by the condition, and immersed myself in the company of devotees at the temple. These subtle changes drew me closer to Lord Sri Krishna.
The temple felt safe, secure, and pure. Devotees lovingly chanted and served the Lord, creating a comforting environment.
O’ KRISHNA—CRY FOR HELP!
These subtle changes occurred during an aggressive phase of Scleroderma, complicated by menopause a couple of years apart. Surgery for gyno issues was impossible due to Scleroderma. I turned to homeopathy, which helped stabilise menopause. Unfortunately, medication for fatigue caused a severe reaction—strange tongue sensations, dangerously high BP, and renal risk. I called an ambulance and simultaneously cried out to Krishna. Instantly, peace replaced fear, and I stayed calm.
ENGAGEMENT IN TEMPLE SEVA
Scleroderma brought constant pain, isolation, and anxiety. Yet, Krishna uplifted me through temple association, chanting, garlands, and Tulsi seva. The temple became my solace and closeness to the Lord.
It began during the early Scleroderma phase at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Admiring garlands, I prayed, “When will I make Your garlands?” In the garden, a devotee asked me to finish one for Rath Yatra—my prayer was answered instantly. Later, another devotee invited me to make garlands regularly. Hesitant because of my hands, I realised it was Krishna’s mercy and accepted. Wearing a mask, I made garlands, chanted, and performed seva for the sacred Tulasi plant.
THE DIVINE INTERVENTION
During a 2010 hospital visit for blood circulation treatment, I contracted a viral infection and became seriously ill. Isolated for four weeks, immunosuppressants were stopped, antivirals started, and I prayed intensely to Krishna.
Peace descended immediately. I had a vision of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as a sannyasi, dancing with a mridanga drum beside the temple room curtains, He was gazing the deities of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. His majestic, radiant form appeared in rows, dancing in perfect rhythm with each-other.
The vision stayed with me for days, vanishing only after I returned home. Slowly, I regained energy, cooked, and resumed normal life. My body, skin, and hands improved rapidly. Later, I recognised him in a 2012 temple calendar and confirmed with devotees that he is the Avatar of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani combined.
Remarkably, my Scleroderma went into spontaneous remission after a severe systemic viral infection. I became a case study suggesting viral infection may modify disease like autologous stem cell reconstitution. From 2010 onwards, without immunosuppressants, my skin disease stabilized, and I’ve avoided major complications for 15 years.
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE
In 1988, severe tonsillitis followed by Guillain-Barré left my body completely paralysed, as well as the left side of my face. With young children, I endured immense pain but fully recovered under expert care, though facial neuralgia persisted.
In 1995, after a Florida trip, a tropical virus left me bedridden for almost 10 months. Local treatment helped eventually. These trials drew me closer to the Lord, revealing subtle protection throughout life. Scleroderma was the hardest test, but calling Krishna’s names brought immediate peace and eased fear.
GRATITUDE
This story acknowledges that Divine grace sustained me through all challenges. I have a loving husband, and together we drew strength from the Bhagavad-Gita. I pray for Divine Grace and Mercy for all facing similar struggles.
Hare Krishna!”