Worldwide Fistula Fund Inc

This board is continually engaged and hard-working to apply donor gifts wisely for the greatest impact in support of its on the ground provider partners across East and West Africa, while safeguarding the fiscal assets of the organization to withstand uncertain times. Maternal health is at the heart of its mission, healing, rehabilitating and restoring the lives of girls and women suffering from severe obstetric injuries causing them to continuously leak urine and fecal matter. I am inspired by all that is accomplished year after year in such resource-deprived, impoverished countries in the midst of military coups, civil wars, and violence from terrorist attacks. I am not only a Board Member and donor but also a health care professional with seasoned experience and knowledge in this field.

Worldwide Fistula Fund uses funds wisely to support an amazingly large number of programs covering holistic services including prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and job training for women with childbirth injuries as well as local capacity building through training local doctors and other healthcare professionals in five countries in Africa.

WFF"s mission is to improve the lives of women who are suffering from childbirth injuries world wide. The support of program champions in each of the countries that WFF has been engaging is wholistic and includes medical education, research and patient care. This organization fosters local growth and capacity building in all area's that they work. I believe this organization is make systematic changes and the smiles you see on the faces of the women says it all!!

WFF is a wonderful organization that supports leaders in SSA who are treating and preventing debilitating childbirth injuries. The way they support their in-country partners is a model that many other organizations could learn from.

A wonderful organization, with a direct impact empowering women, changing lives and supporting families.

WFF is an amazing nonprofit! They're helping provide life giving services to women in need. Their board of directors is very competent and they work directly with providers in country to give the most relevant and best care possible. I used to work with One By One, their predecessor in the Seattle area. WFF has taken the ideals of OBO to a higher level and continued their mission. I'm so grateful for their work!

My sister in law who is a Board Member introduced me to this organization over 10 years ago. I was very impressed by the resilience and strength of these women who have gone through such immeasurable pain and suffering. I strongly believe in WFF and will continue to support their cause to help end worldwide Fistula.

As a retired nurse who specialized in caring for patients with hard to heal wounds, stomas and or incontinence, the mission of Worldwide Fistula Fund as a nonprofit maternal health organization helping girls and women with childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula to recover and build new live, persuaded me to get involved as a member of their board of directors. Working with local partners in sub-Saharan Africa, WFF provides girls and women surgical care, rehabilitation, literacy & vocational classes, and trains African doctors in childbirth injury prevention & treatment. We are the oldest organization in the United States serving women and girls with obstetric fistula. I highly recommend this organization to be recognized as a world leader as a change agent for our less fortunate sisters in Africa.
Joyce McIntyre

Does so much to empower local leaders to restore independence to women who have suffered childbirth injuries

I am very impressed with the work this organization does to support women’s health and fistula care in Africa. They help some of the most marginalized women in the world prevent and recover from life-altering childbirth injuries. Unlike many other organizations, this work is truest sustainable, focusing on building capacities in host countries to treat these women at home with local staff. This is why I choose to serve on the BOD- die to the deeply important work we do.

This organization does a phenomenal job supporting efforts to provide surgical care to women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula in sub-Saharan Africa communities. They are also instrumental in helping those with injuries recover and start new lives. It is an honor to be a part of this important work that is changing lives.

The WFF is an organization which holistically cares for women sustaining childbirth injuries

Excellent organization, healing birth-injured women in Niger, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Ethiopia! Oldest US organization doing obstetric fistula work!

This is an incredible organization that is building truly sustainable and locally driven solutions for some of the world's most underserved. My wife and I built our wedding registry around donations for non-profits. After extensive research, we were moved by both this organization's outcomes and it's mindful approach to supporting its clients. We plan to continues to support WFF and highly recommend it to donors looking for ways to maximize their impact.

What a great cause to donate to! Wonderful stories!

I came across them in 2019 and love watching all the amazing things they are doing to help women with fistulas
They are truly a group of hardworking individuals!

I found WFF at the beginning of 2019 and fell in love with their work so quickly. They do such an incredible job not only healing women, but working on prevention of fistula, and helping survivors find incomes sources post surgery. They have great communication with their donors.

If you’re looking for a nonprofit to support, I highly recommend WFF.

I was fortunate to travel to Uganda and meet several survivors of fistula who have been helped by WFF. Each individual I met took a permanent place in my heart. To hear the stories of their struggles with fistula and appreciate the difference that the surgery and followup care that WFF provided motivated me to want to do more with this organization. These women went from having a situation that was almost unbearable to experiencing joy and fullfillment by returning to become a productive and welcomed member of their community. Community reintegration includes learning new skills, managing money, and starting a business--such as starting a goat dairy.

Worldwide Fistula Fund is supporting amazing work improving lives for women in Africa. I'm so impressed with the successes of the programs.

Before encountering WFF, I don't believe I had heard of obstetric fistula, and if I had, I was not knowledgeable about it. But after learning about WFF's mission, I had a new awareness of the suffering that women can experience as a result of it and other childbirth injuries. It's a suffering that encompasses the physical, mental, social, and emotional--and WFF's holistic approach seeks to heal women in all of those regards. I find this to be one of the most powerful aspects of WFF's identity as a nonprofit.

This past year I had the opportunity to contribute to one of WFF's initiatives for helping women get back on their feet post-surgery: making a donation in the form of purchasing survivor-made goods. At this time I met WFF’s marketing team, whose work importantly involves bringing the stories of survivors to those of us an ocean away. WFF not only crucially informs us of the devastation in the lives of women with childbirth injuries, but they also spread the joy that can blossom as the result of life-changing treatment and rehabilitation.

I am in awe of the strength of the women WFF serves and inspired by those at WFF working to make that service possible.

Obstetric fistula is a devastating injury caused by childbirth. Over two million women suffer incontinence and social isolation as a result. Women and fist in developing nations are disproportionately affected: WFF is healing women, restoring lives, and preventing injuries in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, and Uganda. It has been an honor to be on the Associate Board for WFF. Looking forward to our continued collaboration.

Worldwide Fistula Fund is committed to dramatically changing the lives of women who suffer immeasurable pain and isolation. I am proud to be a donor to this organization.

This organization is run by a diverse group of incredibly committed people most of whom volunteer their time and their expertise to elevate women's health globally. Women in low resource settings are at incredibly high risk for child birth related pelvic floor injuries and given their low status in society, rarely receive care. Care , if present, is rarely adequate. This organization believes in empowering local communities such as NGOs and academic institutions so that they are capable of building their own resilient health systems. This ensures sustainability and allows donors to make the most out of their investment in the long run.

I have been a supporter of this organization and its work for years and continue to be impressed by the results of their dedicated efforts. This organization doesn't stop at medical repair, they help to heal the hearts and communities where these women come from. Meaningful work is being done here and impacts are widespread.

Helping women who are vulnerable in countries with issues that are all but non-existant in the developed world is difficult yet barely recognized work. WFF sees these women as integral to communities. And offers solution to help them thrive Not only do they provide programs to solve the injuries from child birth but they also work with the women to provide holistic rehabilitation that is multifactoral: mentally, physically, economically, and educational...this list is just the tip of the iceberg. Their programs impact communities with employment & education for staff at their facilities and in the communities.
In resource poor areas, they have a positive impact to some of the most vulnerable.

Obstetric Fistula is an overlooked problem of whcih most perople are unaware. However, once someone hears about the life of a women afflicted with fistula the compassion rises to the surface immedaitely.

WFF is really making a difference.

I have been an enthusiastic supporter of the Worldwide Fistula Fund since its beginning in 1995. I have been a volunteer and served on the Board of Directors over the years.
The Worldwide Fistula Fund provides excellent care for women suffering from obstetrical fistula, helping to prevent, treat and restore them to their place in society. This is an outstanding organization! Thank you!
Helen

Worldwide Fistula Foundation is committed to helping African women suffering from devastating childbirth injuries that threaten their relationships resulting in pain, isolation, and abandonment. I have been a member of the WFF board since May 2016 and have witnessed the compassion and care of these dedicated board members and volunteers. They are passionate in their advocacy and provision of direct medical care and raising funds to underwrite this life changing service. Kudos to all those who support WFF with their treasure, talents, and time.

I recently joined the board of Worldwide Fistula Fund (WFF). This is an organization with stalwart dedication to individual impact. Many organizations get distracted by bureaucracy, public image, and individual interest. WFF does not suffer from this lack of focus. Each member of the board, the team, and the community with whom I have had the pleasure of engaging is singularly dedicated to helping women suffering from obstetric fistula. This obscure maternal health complication is curable and more importantly, it is preventible. It is something we can eradicate if we can gather the moment. There are many problems that we simply cannot solve. This is not one of them.

I am very excited to be a part of this team and I commit to seeing the end of obstetric fistula in our regions of impact. Come join us, be a part of our global maternal health community!

WFF is a terrific organization doing work that provides women and girls with fistula and other childbirth related injuries a chance for a better life. Fistula is no longer common in the US (although it was in earlier days) but it still happens regularly in the less developed areas of the world. The medical professionals and support team at WFF are making it a priority to not only cure the fistula issue, but also to heal the whole person through after care, community reintegration and vocational training. A truly holistic approach. Well done WFF!

I am a newer Board Member, joining in early 2018 when another well respected Fistula non-profit merged with Worldwide Fistula Fund. I see absolute integrity in how services are delivered and money is stewarded. There is unwavering commitment among staff and board to help as many women with Fistula with the highest standards in holistic treatment. The aim is to make the biggest impact and to be strategic regarding how and where we work and with whom we partner. And there is gratitude, respect and commitment to all of our donors.

No question, this is a good cause! A problem which can be solved with money. Not controversial, just heartbreakingly relevant to the helpless, innocent victims

This is a wonderful organization that is working honestly, tirelessly and enthusiastically to heal women and eradicate fistula for the future. My sincere thanks and full support goes to WFF!

WFF is the oldest non-profit organization in the United States working on the problem of obstetric fistula. I have followed its work for over 20 years, heard its stories, read the papers that it has produced, and continued to support it. Very impressed with its long commitment to vulnerable women in Africa and for the good work that it does.

Worldwide Fistula Fund is a tremendous nonprofit and does so much for women who have suffered an Obstetric Fistula tears. This organization helps to restore victims and turn them into survivors. They also give them purpose and rehabilitate them as well as train them to earn a living. They give the women purpose so they no longer feel humiliated. I pray they continue the good work that they are doing.

I am so impressed with the work that the Worldwide Fistula Fund does to help women suffering from obstetric fistulas and education on their prevention. Not only does the organization provide the surgery to repair this devastating injury, but also focuses on helping these women reintegrate back into their community after treatment. After repair, these women are given their dignity back. Thank you for the WONDERFUL things you do!!

WFF is an amazing organization that does a lot to help women who have suffered for a long time. It's important to bring awareness to the struggles these women are facing, and WFF does an amazing job at telling their stories.

This is an amazing organization that does incredible work. I am more than happy to be a part of it, and support everyone involved. Especially the women....they need us!

This is an incredible organization and I am so thankful to be a part of it, as a donor, supporter, Associate Board Member and staff member! WFF does such powerful work for individual women and whole communities and countries. I cannot recommend them enough to future supporters!

I'm constantly impressed with the efforts of the people running this non-profit. What a great cause - hope someone will make a documentary about it one day ;)

I first learned about Worldwide Fistula Fund from the book Half the Sky. I had never heard of such a horribly, devastating condition as obstetric fistula before then. I was so moved by these women and what Worldwide Fistula Fund is doing to give them their lives and dignity back. I believe everyone should know about the incredible work Worldwide Fistula Fund is doing.

WWF does a remarkable job of raising awareness and funds to help victims of fistula heal and rejoin their communities, as well as to provide health training for OB-GYN professionals to aid in prevention and increased treatment. I recently attended a fundraiser in Chicago and was impressed with the passion, professionalism and compassion of every person involved. Keep up the good work!

Great organization run by wonderful people. I had the pleasure of meeting several of the staff members, a survivor and partner, and other donors at their last event. Amazing experience. They're doing incredible work for women and girls in Africa. Very highly recommended.

An excellent organization that does real and lasting good, helping women whose lives have been overturned by traumatic childbirth experiences get back on their feet both via surgery and skills training so they can take control of their own futures once their bodies have healed.

The Worldwide Fistula Fund is a great non-profit which seeks to help women who suffer from what can be defined as modern day leprosy - obstetric fistula. Obstetric fistula is a childbirth related injury most prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia resulting from prolonged, obstructed labor which causes a hole between the women’s vagina and rectum causing her to be incontinent, sometimes for years. WWF supports hospitals and physicians in Niger, Uganda and Ethiopia. The result, not only are women repaired physically – a miracle for them - but are repaired holistically through education and vocational training.

An amazing charity working tirelessly restoring health and dignity, ending unspeakable pain and trauma to countless women!

WFF meets women in their most wounded and traumatized realities and accompanies them on the path to health- physical, emotional and communal. By focusing on the healing of each individual woman they are shining a high intensity light on the need for our healing as societies and as a species, by honoring the power and integrity of women. WFF communicates their successes but is not intrusive in its marketing. I am so honored to be a member of their supporters.

I contributed to this charity because of a column by Nicholas Kristof concerning the many women in developing countries who suffer permanently from the condition that WWF addresses. It seems a small issue but to the women who are shunned and humiliated, it is a big one. The staff are committed to having the donations go directly to the women who need the service. Small staff, big accomplishments.

I recently became a donor to wwf and couldn't be more impressed, they are transparent and humble and working with woman who have terrible fistulas. Thank you

I first learned of the issue from an article in Christianity Today - a condition so easily fixed but causes shame and humiliation to my sub-Saharan sisters .....'what you do for the least of these' springs to mind. And often just little girls who spend the rest of their lives hovering over a grate. I'm so grateful to Dr Wall and his team who brought these sisters to my attention.

This is a great organization. I think you are demanding a lot. Any review should be sufficient considering you a simply entering some sort of competition. What really is the end result? Did I write enough mindless words to meet your submission requirements?

The work that WorldWide Fistula Fund provides so many women around the world with care they desperately need and Dr. Wall and his team never give up. The ongoing awareness and education that the foundation provides is bringing the local providers the necessary skills to heal their communities and bring much needed services to those in need. One can trust that the organization is leading the pack with fighting the challenges of Child/Maternal Health and is a worthy cause to support.

I have been interested in the problem of childbirth injuries and fistula since the first time I heard Lewis Wall speak in 2002. Lewis founded this organization with another dedicated fistula surgeon, Steve Arrowsmith. They carried the load for many years but the organization has now transitioned into a modern public non-profit.

I have had a variety of experiences living and working in Africa over the past 6 years. Obstetric fistula is a complicated medical, social, and political problem. WFF understands this and strives to use donations responsibly to maximize the impact. I visited the facility in Danja last spring and it is a model--clean, efficient and effective without unnecessary ornamentation. We endeavor to make sure that all WFF activities will do the same.

I was unaware of the existence of fistula until I found out about this organization. Obviously, a condition that causes so much misery to so many women is worthy of our attention and support. I will be a contributor to their cause from now on and will work to spread the word about fistula.

I first learned of Drs. Lewis Wall, Steven Arrowsmith and the Worldwide Fistula Fund in 2009 when reading "Half the Sky" (Kristof & Wu Dunn) a few months after my first experience working in Africa with women with fistula. After years of work in pelvic and women's health as a physical (physio-) therapist in the US and a lifelong interest in global health and human rights, becoming involved as a provider, collaborator, and advocate for women - and specifically for physical (physio-) therapy programs addressing fistula-related concerns - was deeply meaningful; made much more so by connecting with the great people behind WFF. The commitment of this organization to sustainable and thoughtful care is solid and born out in their on-the-ground actions, contributions to the scientific literature and advocacy on behalf of women with fistula to the general public and medical/academic communities. It is a deep privilege for me to count the volunteers and Board of WFF as colleagues and friends in this work and I stand in full support of their team and mission. Sooooooo….bottom line….5 stars!!!

Obstetric fistula is practically unheard of in the developed world, but it is estimated that 2 million or more women in developing countries live with the consequences. WFF is one of the organizations working tirelessly to raise awareness of fistula and to offer treatment to women who are affected, not only the necessary surgery, but also the rehabilitation and support required to return them to their homes and families.

I read about obstetric fistula a couple years before starting my graduate program in occupational therapy. As I investigated this condition further, I learned about the WFF and it's comprehensive mission. Although occupational therapy (OT) is not traditionally part of the obstetric fistula healthcare team, it seemed as if OT would be a valuable addition to help these women live fulfilling, meaningful lives. Despite being a student, the WFF was open to my ideas and supportive of my involvement. I am incredibly grateful for the open-mindedness and generosity of the WFF and its partners in encouraging me to explore the role of OT in rehabilitation for women with obstetric fistula. Thanks to the WFF, I have had the pleasure of working with talented and passionate professionals from around the world in physical therapy, medicine, social work, counseling, research, etc. Additionally, I have learned about the incredible women the WFF supports -- women who are resilient, strong, and motivated despite having an obstetric fistula.

After learning about obstetric fistula ("Cutting for Stone" and "Half the Sky", both wonderful books, were my first introduction) I started doing some research into how I could contribute to this cause. One of the highly rated organizations I found out about was the WFF. Rather than simply making a donation now and again, I wanted to find a sustainable way to make money to donate to the WFF on an ongoing basis. At home in Singapore, I set up a social enterprise, "Liberty Rocks", designing and making jewelry to sell, with all the profits being donated to WFF. The jewelry is designed in Singapore and then made by women in Afghanistan and Thailand (who also benefit from the income) and then sold in Singapore. The idea is to create a positive cycle of women helping women. Raising awareness of fistula is a further benefit - around 95% of people I have met have never heard of it. WFF has been most supportive and sent me information which I am using as part of my campaign to get people to donate either directly or by buying the jewelry. I am very happy to say that the response has been very positive. Thank you to the WFF for their wonderful work!

I plan my giving carefully because I want it to go where it will directly benefit people in need. I heard about this organization through Nicholas Kristof's articles and was so impressed with the work they do and the Charity Navigator ratings. I'm proud to have given to the "Love a Sister" campaign and will continue to give to this worthy organization that is transforming the lives of women every single day.

Providing financial support for the important work of WFF is an opportunity to do something concrete to right one of the worst wrongs that are inflicted on innocents by an evil part of human society. Women suffering pain and shame and who may die sooner than later are given a new opportunity for a somewhat normal life.

To quote the great and beloved fistula surgeon, pioneer, and advocate, Dr. Reginald Hamlin, referring to the fistula pilgrims that he would find standing alone in urine soaked rags at the bus stops of Addis Ababa: "To meet only one was to be profoundly moved and called forth the utmost compassion that the human heart was capable of feeling."

I heartily commend the mission of the Worldwide Fistula Fund! Obstetric fistula is an 'orphan disease'. Victims of VVF need love, attention, compassion, caring, and help and the Worldwide Fistula Fund is championing this.

I have followed the progress of this organization for many years and have been impressed by its steady development. They were able to build a functioning fistula hospital in the world's poorest country (Niger) which is no small feat! They have supported advocacy, research and public awareness at national and international meetings and have been a consistent presence in the fistula world for nearly 20 years. WFF is actually the oldest charity in the United States devoted to work on obstetric fistula. I have seen their work firsthand. It is a good organization which continues to grow.

“I’ve had my family held at gunpoint, I’ve had malaria, I’ve had a serious exposure to H.I.V., I’ve been separated from family, and I’ve spent about a million hours crammed into coach class on airlines, but it’s worth it. I’d much rather live a meaningful life than a comfortable one.”

Dr. Arrowsmith, a physician who left a comfy job in the U.S. to rescue young women suffering from obstretic fistulas.

I had the honor of traveling to Niger as a medical assessor for Project C.U.R.E. Spending a week in Danja at the facility, working with the medical team, and performing the hospital assessment all demonstrated what a phenomenal organization this really is. But the real joy came from meeting the women whose lives are transformed by the work done by WFF. The smiles and songs and laughter of these women were the most potent and undeniable evidence that the work done here is truly making the world a better place. This organization is a wonderful example of people deciding to implement positive change in the world and then making it happen. Having performed medical assessments all over the world, Worldwide Fistula Fund is truly a fantastic organization and I would urge anyone who cares about women's health to support them.

I had read an article in Christianity Today a few years back. I could not get the picture of these ladies (some children, as young as 14) having to live over drains. Being a woman and in the medical field my heart ached for these women. Seeing so much "medical waste" and expense here in the U.S. got me thinking about the small cost for a huge difference in a lady's life. I started a business and told my husband that they would be the ones we supported with 10% of sales. I have had just a few comments about why I am not supporting something in the U.S. WELL until you can show me one person who has to live like that in the U.S. I will continue to do what I can for these women. These women are outcasts, but they are loved. I have seen some stories on how these women's life are changed (and only 400 per surgery). We look to the day we can donate thousands to help these ladies and all those volunteering. The true thankfulness and smiles on these healed women are remarkable. I tell others when at vending opportunities briefly about them so they know a portion of their purchase goes to such a wonderful cause. More and more women are getting familiar with what a fistula surgery is (in very general terms).

Three years ago a friend told me about a book, HALF THE SKY. I was so moved by the stories of these women who had overcome so many hardships and obstacles. They were not victims but had used their knowledge to turn around and help others. It was the first time I had ever heard about fistula. I was saddened and shocked that women were suffering from a medical condition that could be easily remedied. One of the organizations mentioned that was trying to deal with this condition was WORLDWIDE FISTULA FUND. So I decided to put this organization on my list of charities. The stories I have read regarding the change in the lives of these women is remarkable. They can now live without discomfort and shame. Those things which were brought to them through no fault of their own.

The Worldwide Fistula Fund does a great job helping to heal women with obstetric fistulas in areas in which they would not otherwise have access to such health care. In particular, they operate the Danja Fistula Center in Niger under difficult conditions.

I first heard of obstetric fistulas through NIcolas Kristof and Shreyl WuDunn's insightful book, Half the Sky. The book detailed the unthinkable treatment that women with unfortunate condition endure and the impact that the organizations like the Worldwide Fistula Fund have on changing the lives of women who would otherwise be treated as pariahs. This organization works to heal women who are physically and socially marginalized by funding surgery and creating hospitals. The organization also keeps its donors updated with developments through regular emails. The WWF is a truly honorable effort.

When a woman's fistula is repaired, her entire life changes; she goes from being an outcast to a productive member of society. I learned of this group through a column Nicholas Kristof of the NY Times on WFF and have been a supporter ever since then. There are a lot of great organizations out there that address the vast medical needs in the third world, but am guessing there are very few that do what WFF does; I am also certain that WFF attract sa small fraction of the funding that goes to the bigger (and also important) groups. I hope this review persuades some people to support WFF, which helps change lives by addressing a medical problem that too few Westerners are aware of.

I had opportunity to volunteer as a nurse with WFF before the Danja Fistula Hospital was up and running. During that time we operated on 10 women and it was such a joy to be a part of their healing process! Many women have been rejected by husbands and families and are often cast out of their communities. At Danja, they quickly make friends with the other women. As nurses we made sure to hold hands, hug, and dance with these ladies. Some of them hadn't been touched by another person for years. WFF helps provide not only physical healing through surgery, but also emotional healing. You should see the celebrations we have during a dress ceremony which is a time of dancing, singing, and thanksgiving after the women have a successful surgery and are dry! WFF helps provide life skills to the women, and also helps train local nurses and other personnel in fistula care. Both of these activities help empower and educate local Nigeriens which is crucial for helping stop the cycle of obstetric fistula. I strongly support WFF and hope to one day be able to volunteer again at the Danja Fistula Hospital.

I was moved by one of Nicholas Kristof's articles in the New York Times to make a contribution to this extremely worthy organization, and am delighted to continue to support their important work. These are the most forgotten of women whose lives are being restored by the dedicated professionals who work with the Fund. God bless them all.

What a tremendous cause...and they are really making a difference.

As the father and stepfather of 4 beautiful adult women, I learned of the Worldwide Fistula Fund by reading the Kristofs' "Half the Sky" and was horrified to learn of the abusive reality under which so many African women have been forced to live. I have been deeply moved by the work of the Fund and have asked my own family members as well as friends to consider a donation to this organization. There is no reason that ANY woman anywhere should be subject to such abuse. As Nicholas and Sheryl have pointed out, women comprise the largest group of humans to suffer discrimination and ill treatment simply because of who they are. We can make no progress toward universal human rights unless 50% of the human race is included in our mission.

I first came to know of Worldwide Fistula Fund organization via Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book - Half the Sky. The organization is one of a few organizations that is dedicated to help women with obstetric fistula. in most cases, treatment is simple with positive life-changing impact for these women. I quote and believe "Women are the cornerstone of the family and in the bigger picture they're what animates society every single day. Women need to be well, and they need to want to be well in order to ensure that those bigger pieces work." - Dr. Jane Dimer, GHC. I know my donation is well spent for a worthy cause. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, WWF staff and volunteers!

In September, 2012, I joined the team at the Danja Fistula Center as a physician learning fistula repairs. I have dedicated my career to the care, education and empowerment of girls and women. The Worldwide Fistula Fund which operates the Center is visionary, and everyone I worked with was passionate about raising the level of consciousness and care around fistulas. The Center cares for the girls and women in a holistic manner which is truly unique. As impressive as the care delivered is, the team is also dedicated to the prevention of obstetric fistulas. This is the true difference between this and other fistula Centers. The Worldwide Fistula Fund shines a light on the value of girls and women. I will return to Danja.

The Worldwide Fistula Fund operates the Danja Fistula Center, one of only a handful of dedicated fistula hospitals in the world. During the two weeks I visited the hospital in September with a team of medical and administrative staff and volunteers, 24 women had surgery to repair an obstetric fistula. Many of them had been ostracized by their families because of their condition and others had had multiple failed surgeries in sub-standard clinics. Here they received excellent care by a skilled medical team. It was a privilege to be with these lovely and brave women, and I took great comfort in knowing that the Worldwide Fistula Fund was changing their lives. This is an organization that is making a tremendous difference.

The Worldwide Fistula Fund steps up to provide invaluable help to arguably the most disenfranchised women in the world. Against the odds, it has built an incredible hospital on the border of Niger and Nigeria that provides free service for any girl or woman afflicted by obstetric fistula - a horrible condition that ruins lives and tears families asunder. The WFF has collected a team of the most respected clinical practitioners in the world to battle this condition and also works to raise awareness of safe birthing practices within affected communities to prevent the injury from ever occurring. There is perhaps no other charitable contribution one could make that has such an immediate and important effect as saving a woman from a lifetime of misery. The average price of this surgery is just a few hundred dollars...yet millions of women continue to needlessly suffer. The time to end this is now. It is an incredibly worthwhile cause and a wonderful organization.

I have done some media work for WWF and love what the company stands for. Unlike other nonprofits, WWF continually keeps the public and donors informed on what's going on and the progress being made. They are clearly making a difference in women's international health.

I've been the volunteer anaesthesia provider at Danja Fistula Center for two months now. Working with WFF has done for my career exactly what it needed - a reinvigoration with enthusiasm through partaking in meaningful work. The long-term team are obviously dedicated and driven to deliver a holistic soution to obstetric fistulae. This is not just 'another third world facility', but a hospital that offers a high-standard service whilst being culturally sensitive. I have been very well supported by the US office.

I visited the facility in Danja to conduct a Needs Assessment for the non-profit medical supplies agency Project C.U.R.E. The needs were great and we (C.U.R.E.) expect to help with supplies. The people working there are competent and are dedicated. And the development of local staff is impressive. Most impressive however, is the impact on the lives of the women who are served by WFF. But there is more that must be done in staffing and other areas to get full benefit from the facility.

I helped out at the WFF for the last two summers, and it has been the most rewarding work I have done. The staff is so hardworking and dedicated to helping the women in Danja, and it was truly inspiring to work with them. I was also fortunate enough to visit the clinic in Niger. I met patients and saw the medical team in action. I saw how the WFF provides free, effective, and holistic care to women afflicted with fistula--and how the women were truly enabled to change their lives. I also saw how supportive the Danja community is of the WFF's efforts, and how the WFF puts back so much into the community by hiring local workers and using local resources. I believe the WFF is a top quality nonprofit that provides aid work ethically and efficiently, and I would be honored to continue helping their efforts.

I learned of this organization from an editorial written by N. Kristof in the New York Times. I was amazed to learn about the traumatic births many women endure, and the injury these women sustain. All of the people involved in fistula repair deserve recognition and honor. The Worldwide Fistula Fund works tirelessly to end obstetric fistulas for all. Big kudos!

I've done some copywriting work and some volunteer work for the Worldwide Fistula Fund, and I will continue to offer my services. It's a great organization working to prevent and treat obstetric fistula all over the world, but especially in Danja, Niger, a place where most women deliver their babies in their homes with little or no medical support. Some of those women suffer obstetric fistulas, which cause them to leak urine and/or feces from their vagina. This is a horrible, debilitating condition that sometimes results in these women being shunned by their communities, left alone. The Danja Fistula Center repairs these fistulas, for free, for all of its patients, some of whom walk or travel hundreds of miles to get there. The services provided by WFF in Danja change the lives of these women in profound and lasting ways. I'm proud to be a supporter and a fan of this organization's vital work.