Leon Lord, a passionate photojournalist, has made a mark by capturing captivating moments across various spheres, from sports to everyday life. His photography connects people across Fiji and beyond, weaving together narratives filled with laughter and emotion. However, beneath this joyful pursuit, he has recently faced a formidable adversary: diabetes, a disease that claims approximately 6.7 million lives globally each year.
At the beginning of this year, during a photo shoot, Lord began to feel unwell. Initially dismissing it as fatigue, he soon recognized that something more serious was unfolding. “I remember thought I might have been low on sugar and decided to have a Coke,” he shared during the VegFest Fiji 2025 program, organized in collaboration with the Alliance Française de Suva and the Fiji Medical Association. Despite trying to shake off the discomfort, the following day brought a painful reality when he noticed swelling in his left foot.
A visit to the doctor led to a series of alarming diagnoses, resulting in the recommendation for an amputation above the knee. “I felt crushed; my job revolves around photography, and losing my leg would mean losing my livelihood,” Lord reflected on the grim news. Despite the initial recommendation, he sought a second opinion, only to learn that his condition had escalated to the point of requiring amputation of his toes.
In search of options, he met with another specialist, who suggested an amputation below the knee. Even in this difficult moment, the prospect of rehabilitation offered a sliver of hope for Lord. Faced with the need for swift decisions regarding his health and family’s future, he met with his wife to discuss their next steps.
Throughout this journey, Lord’s thoughts often returned to their six children and the challenges they would face. “It was an overwhelming realization, but I knew I had to be strong for them,” he said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation. Although initially engulfed in despair, an unexpected visit from Dr. Hawea, just a day before his scheduled surgery, brought a glimmer of hope. The doctor informed him that under certain conditions, and after losing two toes, there could still be a chance to save his foot.
This development led to surgery, which was just the beginning of a long recovery process. Lord faced a challenging three-month rehabilitation period, a time filled with reflection and understanding of diabetes’s severe implications. He candidly admitted to feeling lost in this phase but also recognized the vital importance of education and awareness about the disease.
Today, Leon Lord credits both medical advice and his own discipline for turning the tide against diabetes. He emphasizes the need for individuals to take charge of their health through better nutrition and lifestyle choices, even when faced with economic and cultural barriers. His story is not just a personal account of struggle; it serves as a reminder of the resilience within us and the imperative of heightened awareness and support for chronic diseases like diabetes.
Through hardship, Lord’s journey unfolds as a beacon of hope, highlighting the importance of community and personal responsibility in the fight against health challenges. His commitment to recovery and family showcases a spirit that transcends despair—one that inspires others to face their battles with courage and determination.