The Fistula Foundation
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November 19, 2011
I read about this group in a newspaper article and was immediately drawn to the story. To learn that the heartbreaking situation these women were in could be helped by donations to this group, impelled me to sign on to a monthly amount. It takes so little to make such a huge difference in a woman's life. I tell my friends about this organization and urge them to step up and give whatever they can.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 31, 2011
Several years ago, I saw a documentary on women in Africa whose lives were ruined as a result of difficulties they endured during childbirth. Each woman's life was described, as well as the damage that her body suffered and her subsequent rejection by the rest of the society, through no fault of her own. The stories of these women's lives were heartbreaking and I felt obligated to act and help them. I have been contributing monthly since May 2009 and I will forever donate what I can to continue to do so. The Fistula Foundation has been professional and forthcoming in any request I've had as a donor. This is a reputable organization that attempts to meet a dire need and I support its efforts with all my heart.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I regularly access their website to update my understanding of the needs of these women and the progress of the foundation's efforts.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have no changes to recommend. I feel very fortunate to have discovered this foundation's work and to be able to make a difference. Perhaps more importantly, I am emotionally satisfied with my choice of this charity.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
I wanted to ease the plight of the women suffering from this awful fate, as I felt a strong kinship with them.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
My donation was in response to a 2009 TV documentary that moved me to contribute to the foundation.
What would you tell others about this organization?
This is one of the most needful contributions one can make to change another woman's life.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 24, 2011
I saw a documentary on UK TV many years ago and was left with the memory of one woman who had spent something like a year begging at the roadside to get enough money (about a £1) to get to the fistula clinic where the problem that had ruined her life could be fixed in a short, simple operation. I had never heard of the condition and was horrified at the many complications it caused. Some years later, in 2006, I was looking for a new charity to support, remembered the programme and the name of the condition and found the Fistula Foundation online. I liked its approach of using volunteers, including doctors giving up their holiday time to go out to Africa and help, so that the all/most of the donated money could be used to help women rather than pay fat salaries and chuggers. I particularly liked their approach of helping the women to get back to a life, not just fixing the physical problem. Since starting to donate the FF has kept me updated from time to time (but not too often!) and I have enjoyed hearing about their success. The FF is a very dedicated group of people that have made a difference in a field that is not as 'glamorous' as the better publicised charities. I am pleased I can at least offer my financial support to people who identified this problem and chose to forego a comfortable lifestyle to stay and help.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am glad to say that I have never needed the help of this organisation!
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would not make any changes. The charity seems to be running very efficiently.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
TV programme
Why did you make your donation at this time?
Guilt at seeing what a difference could be made with the money I would spend on lunch.
What would you tell others about this organization?
That is concentrates on helping the people it is supposed to be helping rather than creating a huge charity with layers of administrative management.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 13, 2011
I have been a donor since 2004. That was when I first heard about the fistula foundation and its work. I thought to myself what a great opportunity this is for me to make a big difference in an individuals life. Ane yes, I could do it again and again.
The foundation does occasionly send me news letter on what they are doing, however I don't feel chased and pressured to do more than I already am. They make it easy for me to be silent and know I that I am helping.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I am only a donor to this organization so I believe that real results are not meant for me to experienst but with the women that have a chance for a better
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I don't know what I would change since I thnk it is great as to what you already do.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Helping the women
Why did you make your donation at this time?
My donation today is for the same reason that I started with organization
What would you tell others about this organization?
I would definalty receomend it because for so litte you know that a women life is changed. She may be the mother of that next great mind
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 12, 2011
Just like many others, in 2008 I saw the very moving documentary "A Walk to Beautiful". The whole time I was watching my head and heart were filled with "NO! NO! NO!" I have always had some involvement with certain charities and volunteer organizations, but I have never been so moved as when I saw the suffering, courage and determination of these women and girls. I was totally ignorant about what fisula was.
As difficult as it was to watch the film, it was so incredibly heartening to see how much was being done and so successfully by the Fistula Foundation. I really look forward to receiving the newsletters because it is so reaffirmaing that what I give each month is going exactly where it should. It is also exciting to see the number of women in so many countries who are now being healed; their bodies, their spirits, their hearts!
I live about 200km South of Sydney, Australia in a small town. For the past year I have had a young Zimbabwean lady living with me as she was having difficulties. She was trying to live in a strange country without family. In Zimbabwe her family lives in a rural area with no running water and the housing is small mud huts. Recently I was reading my Fistula Foundation Magazine and she said she had picked it up to read it but was confused. I explained it all to her. She gasped and said "There is a woman like that in my village, she smells so bad and no one will go near her. She dressses up to go to church but nobody even talks to her. My mother said it happened after childbirth and that she had probably been bad"
She was really overcome when we discussed that it wasn't this poor woman's fault at all. She is planning a trip back to Zimbabwe and we are going to try to find this lady and see if we can help.
I have been very fortunate to have three very trouble free pregnancies and my children are now adults. My daughter is considering starting a family soon. We just do not see how fortunate we are, how safe we are, how protected we are from danger and humiliation. I have been contributing for four years now and thinking about the suffering of so many women and very young girls, brings me to tears. I am also so very, very greatful to the Fistula Foundation, to all the volunteers and everyone who contributes because the difference is evident and the difference means that individuals can walk again with health, hope and their heads held high.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 10, 2011
Until I saw the documentary 'A Walk to Beautiful' I had never heard of Obstetric Fistula. It is a very unpleasant side effect for women with protracted labours that many times results in them being completely ostracised from their families and communties. The day after I saw the documentary I signed up as an ongoing donor. That was 2008 and I am still donating monthly now. The fistula foundation gives women back their lives and empowers communities through healthcare, hospitals and training to both prevent and remedy what can be a tragic consequence of having a baby.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 10, 2011
I have been contributing to the Fistula Foundation since reading Nicholas Kristof's New York Times column about Dr. Catherine Hamlin
and her work helping women overcome obstetric fistulas, a condition I had known nothing about. Here is a problem with a solution and I can be a part of that remedy. It's important to me to share in this effort by dedicated individuals to help change the lives of these women. I appreciate being updated on the new initiatives being undertaken and feel that whatever contribution I can make it can help achieve concrete results.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
N/A
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
I had been unaware of this problem until reading about it but it was something that touched me deeply.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
I felt it would make a difference in someone's life.
What would you tell others about this organization?
Contributions really make a difference.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 10, 2011
I've been involved with the Fistula Foundation since I moved to the US in 2005. Working full time meant I had to cut down on my 'hands on' volunteering activities and once I heard about their work - and how even a modest donation can save women from absolute misery - well it was the easiest decision to sign up as a monthly donor. When I found out that Dr Hamlin was Australian (like I am), I thought it a sign to double my donation and encourage everyone I know to give whatever they can.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I was fortunate enough to meet a woman who had her surgery funded by Fistula Foundation. Gratitude was writ large on her beautiful face - and I felt humbled and damn lucky that I was on the giving end.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing - efficient, caring and compassionate.
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What would you tell others about this organization?
Go get your cheque book now
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 8, 2011
When in 2008 I saw the documentary film, ‘A Walk to Beautiful’, I was so moved by the tragic stories of women suffering from both the personal physical agony of living with an unrepaired fistula and the resulting shunning by family and community, I knew I had to do whatever I could to help. I learned a continuing monthly donation of $37.50 to the Fistula Foundation would provide enough funds for one woman a year to have her fistula surgically repaired and her life and family restored to her as a result. I wish I could afford more, but three years later I know there are three women who have been helped as a result of my ongoing support of this great organization. It’s my intention to continue to support the Fistula Foundation and their mission for the rest of my life. It’s an amazingly wonderful feeling knowing my small monthly donations, in essence, save lives. What could be better than that? ~ Marcia Hart
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I read the regular report of the progress being made by the Fistula Foundation and feel honored to be a small part of the healing they provide.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make none. They are doing a great job!
More feedback...
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Viewing the documentary film, 'A Walk to Beautiful'. Wow! It is powerful and should be seen by as many people as possible.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
I've been making monthly donations for over three years.
What would you tell others about this organization?
If you want to save the life of an innocent victim and restore her to a normal life, this is a wonderful way to do it.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
September 26, 2011
I heard about the Fistula Foundation from the Oprah show. I started donating in 2004. This was before I had children. SInce I started donating I have had 3 children. All of my children were born in hospitals with the convienence of modern medicine. I had complications with each birth that make me wonder if I too would have ended up with a stillborn child and/or obstetrical fistula.
I think about these women who have suffered with the loss of their child as well as becoming a social outcast. I can not begin to imagine their pain. I think about all of the men and women that give their lives working in the surgery centers. It brings tears to my eyes to think of the sufferings and blessings of them all. This has to be God's work. I donate to several orgaizations, but the Fistula Foundation is by far my favorite. I make payments every month, to total the cost of 1 surgery per year. I like to know that with every passing year I have helped another young woman. It is also amazing to me that not only are these women healed, but they are set up with new clothes, with a new purse and instructions to come back with any future pregnancy for a safer delivery.
One year I lost my job and had to cancel my donations for a short period until I could get back on my feet. When I called the other organizations I donate to, the calls were sterile, unremarkable. When I called the Fistual Foundation, a phonecall I will never forget, the operator thanked me for all of my donations and wished me the best finding a new job. It was like speaking with a dear friend
Bottom line, this foundation is a rewarding way to help others.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The Fistula Foundation sends me a newsletter and informs me of their growth and success. As I read it I am thinking "I helped with all this!"
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not change a thing.
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