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The Fistula Foundation
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March 9, 2013
2 people found this review helpful
The article I read on fistula broke my heart and I saw I could help by donating monthly to give one woman the surgery she needs. I am working poor with a teenage daughter, but we have enough to get by each month. I have known what abuse and poverty feels like. I wanted to help, because even at my income level, I can. It feels very good to know that so little a month helps so much. I only wish I could meet the lady I funded so I could hug her, tell her that she is beautiful, and wish her all the best with her new-found confidence!
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2013
1 person found this review helpful
February 12, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
About ten years ago I read an op ed column by Nicholas Kristoff in The Times about the devastating problem of obstetric fistula in the Third World. It opened my eyes and started me on a journey to help in whatever way I could. That was the beginning of my involvement with the Fistula Foundation.
The first fundraising event I helped put together was at the Waldorf Astoria in N>Y.C. I discovered that the Hotel coincidently was built on the site of the last fistula hospital in the City,torn down fistula had been virtually eradicated here.Our mission became to do whatever possible to do the same for the women of Africa and Asia.
My work with the Foundation as a member of the Board of Trustees has enriched my life immeasurably. I urge you to study our website,see the amazing work we have been doing and join us in our efforts.It will be a most soul- satisfying experience. Robert Tessler
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Life-changing
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Definitely
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2013
February 9, 2013
I keep a bumper sticker tucked into the corner of a mirror in the small vestibule of my home which everyone can read upon entering: It says in bright colors, “ A WORLD that is GOOD for WOMEN is GOOD for EVERYONE.” These 11 words summarize for me why it is an honor and privilege to serve on the board of the Fistula Foundation. They form the crux of the organization’s mission.
For almost twenty-five years before accepting the invitation to become a board member—this May will mark my first anniversary— I was the executive director of a program focused on helping U. S. children and teens receive honest, accurate, age-appropriate sex education programs in schools and community agencies. We wanted young people to learn about pregnancy prevention, abstinence, contraception and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS. We thought students should also learn about sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual violence prevention. But not once in my almost 25-years did anyone suggest that programs cover information about obstetric fistulas. The reason for that is quite simple: obstetric fistulas no longer are a cause for concern in the U. S.
My hope is that the good work of the countless donors to the Fistula Foundation and the superb work that the staff does to make sure the funds go where they will do the most good for the largest number of women will ensure that in another 25 years, obstetric fistulas will no longer be a problem of great concern among the poorest and most needy girls and women in Africa and East Asia. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could be part of this effort? Remember that the cost of repairing a fistula in one woman is $450, which is a large sum to many, but even a small portion of this can make a difference.
Last year, a group of woman living in Princeton came together to watch the extremely moving, “A Walk to Beautiful,” the film that tells the story far better than I can about young women with fistulas who travel miles on foot and bus to a hospital in Ethiopia for surgery that will restore their lives. After the film, the group decided to form the Princeton Circle of Sisters. Each member would try to donate $450 a year, more or less depending on personal finances. Within a week, we had raised over $4,000. We plan to have an annual event to invite more people to see the movie and join the Circle of Sisters and are even thinking of organizing an annual run/walk to keep raising funds for fistula repairs.
If you are like me, after learning more about the excellent work that the Fistula Foundation does, making your first contribution, or increasing your annual donation, you’ll be hooked. And perhaps you will decide to create a Circle of Sisters in your own town or community.
Together we shall make those words on the bumper sticker become a reality.
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Life-changing
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Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
1 person found this review helpful
January 16, 2013
1 person found this review helpful
For over 30 years I worked with an int'l non profit org'n and interacted with many more. The Fistula Foundation has given me an opportunity to continue into my retiremt to serve the poor and marginalised, especially women. I met many women with fistula throughout my career, and wept at the extent of their suffereing. However, seeing the profound impact on their lives as a result of the work of the Fistula Foundationand brings hope and joy. I take my responsibility as a Board member seriously, especially around accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency. The high ratings the Fistula Foundation receives annually from several charity 'watch dog' groups attests to its professionalism and high standards. But it is also an organisation with great heart. It is a privilege to serve on this Board - to work with colleagues who have a passion to end suffering, and to partner with donors who so generoulsy share out of their resouces. Together we are impacting the lives of thousdands of women.
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Definitely
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Life-changing
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Definitely
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2013
1 person found this review helpful
December 21, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
The Fistula Foundation has helped women in Zambia through the Ministry of Health in partnership with Medecins Sans Frontieres-Spain in Luwingu, a rural district if Northern Zambia. MSF is running a Sexual Reproductive Health and PMTCT project up to June 2013. So funding from the Foundation has helped to repair fistulae for 48 women from March to October 2012. We hope the Founadtion will continue to fund this noble cause to bring dignity and joy to as many women as require this help. From: Winter Musonda, IEC Programmes Officer, MSF-Spain, Luwingu Zambia.
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Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
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Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
December 15, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
The Fistula Foundation has helped the Edna Adan University Hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland, to complete and equip our operating Theatres. Once this was done, we started to provide surgical repair for the women who needed it. The surgeon was provided by the Fistula Foundation who also covered the cost involved. There are now many women who have been repaired and who are 'dry' and able to lead a normal life. Some have returned to their husbands and have come back to our prenatalclinic for follow upof their pregnancy ! This is the greatest gift we can give to the women who have suffered this terrible and humiliating condition that is an obstetrical Fistula. On behalf of the women who have been repaired and on behalf of our hospital, I wish to express our since appreciation for your support for the Fistula Foundation and for our strong partneshipto help humanity. Edna Adan Ismail, Founder of Edna Adan University Hospital.
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Very Well
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Life-changing
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Definitely
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2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 22, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
My husband shared Nick Kristol's New York Times article about the Fistula Foundation with me some years ago, and we have been enthusiastic supporters ever since. It's a hard subject to learn about, but nothing compared to what living it must be. It makes me HAPPY to be able to help!
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2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 8, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I first heard about The Fistula Foundation in 2010 at a conference where I was working as an interpreter. A representative of the Foundation showed a video and explained the causes and the truly devastating effects that obstetric fistulas have on women’s (often young girls) lives – condemning them to an existence as outcasts of society, away from their families and friends. And yet these fistulas can be cured by a fairly simple operation, restoring to the woman the possibility of leading a normal life – giving them their life back. A lot could and needs to be done to avoid such fistulas in the first place, but given the prevalence of this terrible condition in many parts of the world, the Fistula Foundation is a lifeline for tens of thousands of women. I have been a passionate supporter of The Fistula Foundation ever since that conference back in 2010 and would like to invite anyone who reads these lines to go to the Foundation’s excellent website to find out more.
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2012
1 person found this review helpful
November 7, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I love donating to such a worthy cause. To be part of helping a beautiful human being get her life and power back is a wonderful privilege. Such a small amount of money to us can mean all the world to a woman who has lost absolutely everything due to a treatable condition. I definitely recommend the Fistula Foundation. They really seem a no frills charity which means more money spent directly helping these marginalised women.
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Definitely
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Definitely
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Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 1, 2012
I have just returned from Western Kenya where I was able to witness, first hand, the women who have been repaired at Gynocare through One By One. The Fistula Foundation has enabled One By One to offer many more surgeries this year. Thank you to the Fistula Foundation on behalf of the women and girls being helped to regain their lives.
More feedback...
How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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