My name is Naomi. I'm young and full of hope.

I have a disease that hides in my body.

This disease won't jump from my body and enter yours.

So, come stand next to me.

Come, hold my hand.

Come, share lunch with me.

Come, sit down next to me.

I have lived with this disease since I was born.

This disease is like a crocodile. It eats everything in my body.

When I'm weak, I become sick and miss school.

I fight this disease in two ways.

I take my medicine every day at the same time.

I also eat vegetables and fruit.

When my body is strong, the disease becomes weak and I can play.

My Grandma takes me to the clinic at the right time.

I get special treatment which makes the disease weak.

My Grandma is my strength.

She cares for me to keep me strong.

She teaches me how to prepare nutritious foods.

If I continue to take my medicine and eat well, I'll be strong and healthy.

I want to go to school and learn to read.

I want to be a doctor so I can treat people with this horrible disease.

Until the cure is found, I will learn to live with this disease.

I will do everything to make this disease weak and live a happy life.

This disease doesn't stop my Grandma, my aunts, my uncles and friends from loving me.

Questions:
1. What is the name of the girl in the story?
2. What does she have in her body?
3. What animal does she compare it to?
4. How long has she lived with it?
5. What does the girl do to keep well and strong?
6. Which people love the girl?
7. What do you think the girl is suffering from?
8. What do you call it in your home language?