Fistula Foundation

Can't think of a better organization to support. I became aware of FF from reading Nicholas Kristof's NYT column. I have been a monthly supporter for a number of years. I hope I may encourage others to do the same. Even a few dollars a month donated by many individuals become, in the aggregate, a considerable funding source for a relatively straightforward medical intervention that is LIFE-CHANGING for so many girls and women. In the USA, restaurants charge $4-5 for a simple cup of coffee. Just one of those coffees each month, multiplied by hundreds and thousands of individual donors, will make ALL the difference in the lives of girls and women served by the Fistula Foundation.

This nonprofit has fought heroically over many years to help the victims of fistula disease and to combat the stigma attached to it in so many countries. A really worthwhile cause.

Fistula foundation saves the emotional lives of women by removing their physical problem. Their dedication to providing these surgeries and services helps remove the shame the women face and provides an opportunity for these women to become better mothers and community members. The sanitary benefits and the easing of their isolation benefits their whole community.

The Fistula Foundation is, amongst so many truly worthy causes, my
single most favoured charity. With minor surgeries, the daily miseries
of rejection, isolation and ostracisation of child-brides suffering from
avoidable vaginal and colon fistulas can be ended so they can lead
normal lives. These innocent, and mostly very young women are the
victims of widespread ignorance of both families and husbands who do not
realize that girls cannot safely give birth to healthy babies until
their bodies are physically ready. Every year, the preventable and
humiliating plight of thousands of poor and uneducated girls are turned
around and their lives changed forever through the
community-partnerships sponsored by the work of this wonderful
organization.

In this world where the difficulties that go with being female are usually shrouded in secrecy, the Foundation rescues women from a life of ostracism and shame that is no fault of theirs. Its skilled medical intervention returns them to their proper status in their societies with all the potential for a good life that entails. It is a maximally humane endeavor. - posted for Fistula Foundation Donor Margaret Ullman

This is the only organization to which I donate monthly. The expansion of fistula repair services to so many needy communities is beautiful. The training of new doctors and community workers, the building of new hospitals, all help to enable women to be active members their communities instead of being outcasts. BRAVO.

We have supported this wonderful organization for many, many years & seen their growth & their expansion into many countries. Their life changing work is just that! We admire the doctors & nurses in these places, that no one thinks about in their daily lives! Fistula Foundation is to be commended for their leadership & for making it possible to help so many women over so many years.

I have been a donor over 15 years and am a huge admirer of their work and their efficiency in administration and fundraising. The impact on women's lives of this surgery is so transformative that your contribution will make an immediate and huge difference to her and her family unlike most charitable contributions. The women in the countries where fistula dominates have had so little control over their lives and it is imperative to at least give them back their dignity.

I am a longtime supporter of the Fistula Foundation, because it is an honor and privilege to be able to help other women lead healthy, meaningful lives after the often heartbreaking consequences of fistula without the proper medical care. Women’s lives are dramatically impacted by the work of this organization, which provides the care they need to return to productive lives. The Fistula Foundation supports the women who are the bedrock of their families and communities. Please join me in uplifting these women and giving them hope for the future.

The Fistula Foundation is a beacon of hope for women suffering from obstetric fistula. Through their tireless efforts, they are transforming lives, restoring dignity, and empowering communities. By supporting their work, we can help create a world where no woman suffers from this preventable and treatable condition.

I've been donating monthly for many years now. Fistula Foundation makes sure that the money goes straight to where it's needed. They not only help women already experiencing fistulas, but they also proactively educate community members to try and prevent fistulas as much as possible. I love what this organization does to help women, and in turn humanity! Thank you so much.

I've been with Fistula Foundation for many years now and am astonished at how magnificently they have grown and expanded. Every time I read that they are opening another facility to help the women in that area, I feel happy and relieved. Those women deserve the best and Fistula is there for them!

This is the best nonprofit out there. The money collected go to the people who are in need not into the institutions pockets. Really helps women who are in the worse case of health situations and family situations. I love this company

My favorite nonprofit in the world. They actually do what they say they will do and are transparent about who they are helping, why, and how donations directly make a difference. 12/10 recommended.

I feel always best informed in a very transparent way. Also the pace of growing this very important organization is ambitiouos but reflected, organic and wise.

My gifts to nonprofits are to those who work directly to help individuals. Fistula Foundation does that and is a class act in its communication efforts as well.

I've been giving to the Fistula Foundation for many years and am so impressed with the excellent work they do. The issue of fistulas is not well known in America but is a terrible health condition to have to live with. I have frequently donated to them as a Mother's Day gift. They have been recognized for their efficiency of fund usage and great success. Very trustworthy!

I like to donate to Fistula Foundation because a very good percentage of their income goes to the projects they support. Also, foreign aid can be a bit of an ethical minefield. But the help offered by Fistula Foundation does not (to my understanding) negatively impact local economy or ecology, it helps women who are suffering to then help themselves. As a woman and mother, I view donating to Fistula Foundation as an act of solidarity with other women who do not have access to the care I had when delivering my daughters.

I love how the Fistula Foundation is able to keep expanding their services to women and girls affected by fistulas. They have given so many a new lease on life and the ability to rejoin their communities.

One of the most wonderful organisations! They are doing great work from the heart, with exceptional accountability, professionalism and results.

Give regularly to FF. Their mission is important.

I really like organisations that give practical help to people and make their lives better, and Fistula Foundation does this.

Does wonderful work to support the health and dignity of women

I am SO thrilled to support this incredible organization that gives women back their dignity
And their ability to integrate into society

if they did not have access to this surgery and healthcare they would be ostracized in their culture from those they love and live around

I have donated to Fistula Foundation ever since reading 'Cutting for Stone' years ago. The Fistula Foundation always shares it's positive and hopeful stories about the incredible, life changing effects that repairing obstetrical fistula's has had in women who have suffered immensely with this affliction. This charity truly changes lives in immeasurable ways. I am so very grateful for all the wonderful work Fistula Foundation does to change & improve the lives of so many women!!

I have donated monthly to the Fistula Foundation for many years. Too often we are unsure of what our charitable contributions actually do. The Fistula Foundation actually changes women's lives. It is direct. It is specific. It is important. I can't think of a better way for your dollars to make a real difference.

The Fistula Foundation has been a strong supporter of the Edna Adan University Hospital for over twelve years, by helping us train our medical doctors and midwives in Safe Obstetrical practice, as well as to bring us the experts to come and operate on the women suffering from Obstetrical fistula.
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We would never have achieved the progress that we have made without the Fistula Foundation.

It’s an honor to support Fistula Foundation. Their work is truly impactful. They perform life-changing surgeries with efficiency and enormous care.

One of the greatest humanitarian efforts out there . Victims of fistula are somewhat akin to the lepers of biblical times --they are shunned , abandoned and left to manage an unbearable affliction.
The efforts and work of the foundation are indeed both life saving and life giving

I came across fistula foundation a year ago while searching for assistance for a friend of mine. The organization linked me with a local doctor and the conversation started. We paid a visit and booked the operation. I am glad that I linked up with fistula foundation and I am very grateful for the great work they do to put smiles and restore confidence and dignity to our sisters, aunties, mothers and better halves.

The Fistula Foundation is an amazing source of healing and inspiration for women. They supply assistance to women that are offer no other options. I'm very proud of the worldwide staff.

A really great charity that does important work. The stories in their newsletters nearly always move me to tears. I found out about them through the life you can save organization so it's good to know the work the charity is doing is also extremely effective in terms of lives saved for dollars donated.

I first heard about the Doctor who had dedicated her life to helping women in Africa who needed fistulation repairs on the Oprah show. I was thrilled when I found out there was a foundation in the USA where I could donate to help with the work. I am thrilled with how they have grown into additional countries and hospitals that need this work. To see that there are Doctors who have also dedicated their life to this work due to donations and support from this foundation, is amazing.

I want to say Thank You to everyone who works with this foundation and who contributes to this foundation. Sincerely - LB

I love this organization. The open hearts of everyone involved touch me greatly. I cry over every newsletter with their stories of healed women given a new chance at life, and the astounding skill and care of the surgical teams. It's efficient with donations and powerful with its "In it to end it!" determination.

I have been supporting the Fistula Foundation for years. I began as soon as I learned about it because the results of obstetric fistula were so awful that I couldn’t even imagine what it was like to suffer with it. I look for ministries that have a direct effect on the quality of life for fellow souls on this journey through life. I am blessed to donate for this life changing surgery. I hope to meet some of the women my donations have helped when I get to heaven!

I think Fistula Foundation is one of the great charities of the world. They make a massive contribution to the lives of women otherwise condemned to misery and they do it quietly, efficiently and transparently. They have been on my donation list for several years and will remain there,

I have been contributing to the Fistula Foundation for many years. I am very careful about giving money to charity and want to see that it is using my money wisely. Fistula Foundation hits this mark - they provide services to women in need and also keep down administrative costs. I am happy to contribute and will continue to do so.

Thank you to Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn for their work in publicizing charitable giving that really makes a difference. I started donating to the Fistula Foundation in memory of my mother and in honor of my son, a family practice physician assistant, and my goddaughter, a physical therapist specializing in OB-GYN care. But I keep giving because the transformative work of the Foundation in women's lives is simply awe-inspiring. It just feels great to know that my contribution is really making women's lives better.

Like many others, I first began donating to the Fistula Foundation after a NYT article by Nicholas Kristof. It is one of the most gratifying organizations to support. To think that you have made a profound difference in at least one woman's life each year is meaningful. Over the years, the Foundation has expanded in a responsible way to other countries - the money seems very well spent.

I started to regularly contribute to Fistula Foundation many years ago, after reading an article in the NEW NEW YORK TIMES by Nicholas KLristoff.. I havd obnly gained admiration, respedt and a feeling of joy from reading about and viewing the faceds of the women whop have been helped bgy this life acclaiming procedure , a conequencd of womanhood reallly , in one form or another. I am grateful too to Kate Grnat for her continued involvement in the Foundation and her sneding of 'peersonal'notes that keep us subscriber informed and feeling theFoundatrion has not gotten impressed with its own success. Every time I write a check - every tyhird month - I am happy to do so and feel I AM MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO PEOPLE WHOSE NEED IS GREATER THAN MINE.

I have been a board member and contributor for over 20 years. Fistula Foundation is one of the most effective charities in the world and deserves everyone's generous support!
Robert Tessler

I love supporting this organization because of their mission -- helping women who are suffering -- physically and emotionally -- from obstetric fistulas. They are good at communication, too, helping donors understand the impact of their contributions.

I have been a supporter of Fistula Foundation for about 10 years. I had never heard about fistulas until I read an article by Nicholas Kristof in the New York Times about them. I decided it would be a way to honor my mother's memory..

The effects of fistulas are devastating on the women and girls who suffer from them. Fistula surgery allows them to live normal lives.

Supporting Fistula Foundation and the surgeries they underwrite is absolutely crucial to the betterment of our world.

I have been a long-time donor since reading about the Fistula Foundation in the New York Times.
They do important work in improving women's lives by supporting hospitals and doctors in many countries in Africa and Asia. The organization values transparency and efficacy in its operations and accomplishes a lot with the resources it has.

I can't think of a more worthy organization to support. It is efficient and well-organized and most importantly; a relatively small amount of money can make such a huge difference in women's lives. Keep up the good work!

Quietly, efficiently, and effectively, the Fistula Foundation tackles a little-recognized epidemic of health disabilities that ruins the lives of far too many women, their families, and their communities worldwide. My wife suffered from a fistula, but because we lived in the affluent USA, she had access to wonderful restorative health care. We are proud to support the Fistula Foundation in its efforts to bring similar medical miracles to women born not so lucky as she.

I have been a monthly donor to the Fistula Foundation for several years now, and I am so grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to help women who are so in need of medical care in order to live a normal life. It would be hard to think of another health care non-profit that does more with a dollar than does the Fistula Foundation. Thank you to the Foundation and to all the doctors that provide this crucial care to women who need it so much and who would otherwise suffer so much.

I have had my fair share of complications as it pertains to myself. I am so glad that I heard about Fistula on the Oprah Show and what it has done for women who needs help. They are a 5 Star NGO and operating in third world countries. I support them 100% on giving women back their lives. No matter the amount they are appreciative. of what you are able to help.
They truly deserve to be recognized for all of their efforts and for the Doctors and Nurses that help without their knowledge many children would not have a mom.
I love the thank you letters and I hope someday I will be able to do more. There is no better than giving HOPE to those that have none. God Bless you all.

Fistula Foundation has remained laser focused and steadfast in their goal to end obstetric fistula. I couldn't be more honored to be a donor and support this worthy cause.

Fistula Foundation is doing incredible work to improve the lives of women.

This is my favorite charity. I know that they use my donations wisely and help women who have lost quality lives regain their lives. I sing their praises whenever I can.

I am grateful that Fistula Foundation gives me an opportunity to truly help
change a woman's life. It is often difficult to know the impact a donation makes,
but with Fistula Foundation you know beyond a doubt that your gift has truly helped
another. As someone who has had the privilege of good and available healthcare, my heart
breaks to learn of women who are not as fortunate. Fistula Foundation allows me to support sisters in other parts of the world.

Excellent charity doing fantastic work for women that really need their help

Fistula Foundation uses my money well. They don't flood me with excess mail, emails and demands for more contributions. Nor do they send freebies that I don't want and are a waste of donated funds. They have a modest office and I believe they use my contributions for their stated cause. Additionally, they actually do fix problems and change lives.

Fistula Foundation delivers hyper-targeted care to a specific subset of folks experiencing intense suffering under circumstance over which they have no control. Funding options (one-time, recurring) are great, as well as the knowledge of the total cost to fund a fistula repair procedure ($538 at the time I gave). Emails are occasional and always useful. I heard about the organization through one of their advocates that gave a talk to my Theology class four years ago.

I've tried donating as much as I can to this charity. I first read about what it does to help women who have obstetric fistulae, holes caused by the baby's head pushing against the pelvis, in an op. ed. in the NY Times a few decades ago. Obstetric fistulae happen when the blood flow to the tissues between the vagina and rectum gets cut off by the baby's head during long painful deliveries. The baby usually dies. The mother, if she survives, is left with urine leaking from the bladder, stool from the anus. The Fistulae Foundation surgically repairs obstetric fistulae for impoverished women in Asia & Africa. These women don't have access to emergency rooms, to running water. They are shunned because they smell bad. They may not even know why. They get infections. They die. If they'd been born in wealthier countries they would have had Cesarean sections instead of intense labors that wreck them. The Fistula Foundation repairs the holes in the bodies & souls of these poorest of poor women.

I've donated myself, and I've asked my son to donate as my Mother's Day gift. I can't think of a more appropriate gesture on Mother's Day than to help a woman who is suffering from obstetric fistula. The work this organization does is life changing, not to say lifesaving, for these injured women.

This organization is wonderful for letting supporters learn exactly how their contributions are used. I get frequent updates as to women are being helped. If you need to hear/read feel good stories, this charity gives you plenty!

Have been an annual donor for more than a dozen years. Organization has grown but has stuck to its mission-- no "mission creep" here. Outstanding communication, and clear focus on using money for greatest impact. One of my very favorite charities.

After reading Peter Singer's book The Life You Can Save, I immediately wanted to pick a charity recommended by his organisation and have donated to the Fistula Foundation for many years. I am in awe of the work they do and feel so happy that my tiny contribution can made a big difference to someone's life.

Fistula Foundation is a well-run organization with a fantastic, meaningful mission. I know that when I give to Fistula Foundation, my donation is making a life-changing difference.

A great cause. Improves Health Self Esteem and the ability to care for Family.
A well run Charity Organization. I love supporting International Women's Issues
Anita Davis

Women and, all too often, teenage girls, suffer for all their lives from family and societal banishment for a condition that those families and communities actively allow and support - marriage and childbirth before their physical maturity makes it safe. The innocent should never be condemned for life to a miserable life of isolation, shame and condemnation! This is only one of many good charities helping girls and women, but it is a truly wonderful cause with every hope to slowly eradicating such injustice and long term misery.

I have supported the Fistula Foundation since watching A Walk to Beautiful, hearing Nicholas Kristof speak, and reading Half the Sky. This charity changes lives!! Communication with their office is excellent, and their use of funds is transparent.

I am proud to be a frequent supporter of this charity. They do such important work in helping cure the women who suffer from a condition that we in wealthier countries seldom encounter. I learned about them from Peter Singer's book "The Life You Can Save". Keep up the good work!

This organization does such important work of healing women's bodies and restoring their hope in a bright future!

I love that I can feel confident that my donation is having a real impact with Fistula Foundation. They make a huge difference in women's lives and are incredibly effective.

This is an organization that restores health AND dignity. They do more than give women treatment for a devastating condition; they give women a way to move forward in life without Fistula's stigma holding them back.

I have created various fundraising campaigns for several charities over the last 5 years. Out of those charities (all already carefully selected for effectiveness, transparency, etc)... this one stands out the most.

For 1, because their work is straightforward, pulls at the heartstrings, and is somewhat easy to explain to others.

2, because their work partially addresses root causes... because they build up local health infrastructure, while curing women of their conditions.

3, because they empower local people already on the ground, in a bottom up manner, who know the situation best... rather than just bring in their own people and ideas in a top down way.

And 4, because, of the charities I have worked with, they are the most reliable in terms of communication and openness. Every time I call or email, every person who responds... is knowledgeable, responsive, helpful, friendly, and grateful. It just adds to what I already know... that they run a tight ship over there.

Amazing organization, 5 stars on all counts.

Thomas

We have been donating for years and are fortunate to be involved with such a worthwhile cause. Fistula Foundation is doing such important work, are expanding, and providing dignity to young ladies.

I have donated to this organization for many years on the recommendation of my niece who is a gynecologist. In a world where many problems are complex and difficult to solve, this organization brings a solution that radically changes the lives of individual women and thus their families. I am proud to be able to contribute to the change.

I love supporting the work of this very well run, well constructed organization. This is such an important part of the human experience to support and we love to receive the news of how our donations were helpful in various parts of the world. We will continue to donate through this organizations great work. Thank you for all you do!

We've been donating to this organisation for many years after reading Peter Singers excellent book.
They are incredibly efficient at helping women who have suffered for years with this terrible affliction. We cannot rate them highly enough.

P Janson UK

I love the Fistula Foundation.

First, their mission is life-saving and life-changing. I cannot imagine the misery of living with a fistula (and by pure good luck, I will never have to), but I can imagine the joy of having one repaired.

Second, I've been giving for years and have found them one of the most responsive nonprofits around. Their professional behavior has put them at the top of my giving list.

Critical mission that is well-managed by an effective support team? 5 stars!

I was alerted to this charity by Peter Singer - it's a particularly effective way of giving. Women's lives are utterly are transformed for comparatively modest sums. I am delighted to be a donor.

It's tragic that a need exists for a charity organization like the Fistula Foundation. But I'm grateful that the Fistula Foundation exists and that it does such superb work to help give women back their lives. I'm continually impressed by the Foundation's careful management of its funds, its communication with donors, its transparency, and its caring. It most definitely deserves its 5-star rating and I'm pleased to be a long-time donor.

As a strong believer in “effective altruism,” I learned about Fistula Foundation through Peter Singer’s organization, The Life You Can Save, which evaluates and recommends a small number of highly effective and efficient charities around the world, based on demonstrated methods and metrics. Fistula Foundation is proven a leader in addressing a huge injustice and tragedy rooted in gender inequality and poverty. I’ve been a monthly donor for years and plan to continue investing in this organization’s great work.

Absolutely wonderful organization. LOW administration. Great accomplishments. Real success

I learned about fistula while suffering myself from stress incontinence. This made me realised how lucky I am to live in a country with top health care to treat my condition, which is very mild compared to what these women suffer.
After researching and comparing trusted charities that help women with such condition I decided for the fistula foundation and never got disappointed with their communication and transparency.
I even had the chance to be in touch with their staff several times and this continues to reinforce my trust in their work.

This org is so efficient and thoughtful with each dollar. The staff is a delight to work with.

This foundation rescues thousands of womyn from lives of bodily pain and social ostracism. Imagine the awful smell of having feces and urine constantly running down your vaginal walls! Whether from infibulation or from amateur handling of breech birth, vaginal fistulae are all too common among African womyn. Fistula Foundation VERY cost-effectively enables these suffers to rejoin society and regain their health.

I’m proud to be a long time supporter of Fistula Foundation. They do such good work, and their communication with donors is always uplifting and joyful. There aren’t many giving opportunities that are so transformative for each woman recipient, and I love being part of it.

The Fistula Foundation does amazing work and makes real differences to the lives of so many women.

I’ve visited Ethiopia 36 times. And I’ve traveled in 7 African countries. I’ve seen first hand the trials and tribulations of young women, many of whom, are forced into early marriage with men old enough to be their daddy or grandpa. I am glad to see positive results from the unsung heroes who help these distressed young girls overcome fistula trama. I’m glad to help a little bit. You go Fistula Foundation. ������������

I’ve been donating for years, Love the work this foundation does, giving women their dignity and lives back.

Read about this wonderful organization in the NYT about five years ago. I was moved by the descriptions of the suffering of these women with a fistula condition.
I felt the very least I could do was contribute to the efforts of these tireless medical workers.
I have subsequently been very impressed with the outreach the organization makes to even it's smallest donors. Denis. Edison NJ.

I have donated to the Fistula on and off for many years, depending on personal finances. This foundation is very well managed and executes its mission in a thoughtful and financially responsible manner.

The fistula foundation are these amazing quiet achievers changing women’s lives in this incredible way. Since donating, I get the occasional inspirational email, but they don’t call or pester- they just show you the great work they do. I’m so proud to be a donator!

We were introduced to Fistula Foundation years ago when one of my teenage sons saw in a newspaper column that it had been recommended by Nicholas Kristof. Ever since then we have made contributions every Mother's Day to honor my mother (while she was alive) and my wife. My wife says consistently that it is her favorite Mother's Day gift. We are all grateful for those at Fistula Foundation who are doing such important work!

Fistula Foundation do a lot of good with what they are given. They are well-managed. Working in partnership with local groups, they create sustainable interventions.

The Fistula Foundation is on the limited vetted charitable causes enlisted on The Life You Can Save’s website, meaning per dollar the impact we can passively have by having a portion of our income drawn for donation to such charities is substantial and life changing! I am thankful we have an organization like the Fistula Foundation, that does the heavy lifting and arduous ground work, the statistical analysis of their efforts and informing us, so we can quite honestly sit back donating and trust them with the praxis.

I have supported Fistula Foundation for several years, after learning of the work they do. It's important, each surgery an act of compassion and of empowerment, a way to bring effected women out of awful circumstances and return them to a full life.

I am 78. I have been search for years for the most effective charity that helps the most..
Over the years I've switched from one to another upon finding a better way to invest
my money. Since 2008 or so I haven't switched from the Fistula Foundation. I can't
think of a better way to help another person. For less than 600. dollars I can be
instrumental in changing a woman's life. Thank God for the Fistula Foundation
Vince Gallagher

I was very touched by the PBS documentary on the Fistula Foundation. I wanted to restore the life of a woman no matter where she lived, her beliefs or ethnic background. I wanted to help restore their dignity and I believe that from this organization to the people on the frontlines and medical staff are doing just that.

I’m deeply grateful for the critical work that The Fistula Foundation does, giving women back their lives after obstetric trauma. I will continue to support their work.

I have been a Fistula Foundation donor for many years. I believe in the work they do for women in developing countries.

Highly recommend. I've been a donor for over 10 years.

Fistula Foundation is consistently directed toward the improved health and wellbeing of women. Without this charity, the women it has helped would live lives without hope of being physically whole and accepted in their communities. Helping women helps them and their communities prosper. I am proud to be a donor!

I've supported Fistula Foundation for many years and have been so impressed with the work it has done, its financial transparency, and its excellent communication.

I'm so happy to be able to support this wonderful charity.

I became aware of this organisation because of a documentary. This really moved me especially when it is quite easy to save/improve the life of so many women in the world.
Since that; I am a proud fast donor for the Fistula Foundation. They are doing a great job!

Fistula Foundation is a wonderful organization that does high quality, high impact work on a relatively lesser known issue that can transform a woman's entire life. While newer to the organization, this is one I will be supporting for many years to come. Keep up the great work!

I have being donating to this organization since 2007 in honor of my former OB/GYN who saved my life, not once but twice. I believe that the work they do is utterly life changing [and saving] for the women they help. Donating to the Fistula Foundation is my way of 'paying it forward' for the life my doctor gave back to me.

It's rare to find a charity that solves a simple problem and radically changes lives for the better, but I believe that is what the Fistula Foundation does for women. I've been contributing for years and it still feels like a privilege to be apart of what they do!

The work of the Fistula Foundation is outstanding. I am honoured to contribute what I can to such a great cause.

After hearing about the impact of fistula surgery in Ethiopia, I was very pleased to make contact with Fistula Foundation and the work it is doing in this field in many countries. Since then I have donated every year.

I work in the charity sector and I first heard about this org recommended by Peter Singer, an ethical philosopher -as a good example of making every cent count. Such important work, difficult to discuss and therefore all the more valuable. All round impressive

I have been supporting Fistula Foundation for many years. From the moment I first heard about their work my heart felt open and I wanted to help in any way I could. I've contributed annually and as often as possible. Every contribution is welcomed, no matter the size. I appreciate the stories of success and the photos that accompany them. Their work is endorsed by Charity Navigator which is important to me. I know that the money donated goes to helping people and is well-spent. There aren't enough words to express my admiration for their leadership and work. I have been happy to recommend them to others.

My wife and I have supported charities throughout our lives. Our most favorite charity has been and still is Fistula Foundation, which we have significantly supported for ten years. This charity is effective, efficient and communicates very well with donors, a rare quality we have not seen in other charities we have supported in past. Kate Grant, current CEO, is a phenomenal leader and manager with very good business sense and charity acumen. We love the difference being made for women suffering from fistula birth problems. These women get medical attention, care and training to provide new quality of life. We are very proud and blessed to contribute significantly to such successes in behalf of these women. We feel so strongly about such support that we plan to contribute on regular basis and have put Fistula Foundation as part of estate planning upon death to help ensure its continued success. We are also planning a trip to Kenya at our own expense in near future to visit Fistula hospital, clinics and programs.

I can’t fathom the cruelty of women, and in many cases, girls, being ostracized and cast out of their families because of a bodily injury. The added humiliation from losing their ability to maintain basic personal hygiene is unimaginable.

I support the Fistula Foundation whenever I am able. It’s an organization that, in supporting and nurturing women through a simple medical procedure, also contributes to the much needed education of their families and communities.

This group does fabulous work. Women can put their lives back together with this condition remedied. No woman should have to try to live through this situation without hope of any kind of normal life.

For years we have donated and I ask for donations to be sent to the foundation in lieu of anyone want to give me a gift.

Beyond grateful there are people dedicating their lives to this cause and that we can help fund it. The only reason I didn't end up with this condition on either delivery I had was my access to health care. My life and the life of my children is not more worthy because of the sheer luck of being born on a certain continent.

when looking for a charity that supported women's health, I was fortunate to discover the Fistula Foundation - they help the mostly unknown sufferers and truly give them a new life

A worthy cause in a field that badly needs support.

I became a yearly donor to the Fistula Foundation more than ten years ago after reading about their work in Nicolas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book, Half the Sky. I had never heard about a fistula before then but could relate to the problem because of my own difficulties with incontinence as a result of giving birth. The Fistula Foundation not only supports incredible work for often forgotten women but they also care about their donors in numerous ways. They keep us informed without constantly asking for money. I have not met Kate Grant but feel she's my friend! A family member gives a yearly gift in my honor as he knows how much the Foundation means to me.

I have been a donor for over 5 years now. Their work is astonishing, powerful and necessary. A wonderful NFP!

I heard about the Fistula Foundation earlier this year through Peter Singer's The Life You Can Save audiobook. Since then I have made several donations to the foundation, as I wholeheartedly believe in their mission to help poor women to have surgery to remove a fistula. I have read the stories of these women on their website and feel what an enormous difference they are making in these women's lives. I plan to continuing supporting their work through regular donations, and I'm telling friends and family about them too. Go Fistula Foundation!

Proud to support this organization for a number of years. They do life changing work, efficiently and effectively, with strict accountability.

From my first contact, via email, after hearing of the Fistula Foundation on Undertold Stories, I have been impressed with their effective operations, thorough communications, thoughtful donor appreciation and generous sharing of information for my volunteer work with another non-profit working with midwife training in rural Tanzania. They are the best.

The Fistula Foundation has a focused mission, effectiveness in fulfilling that mission, and financial transparency. Its work heals many women every year who are able to go on to lead more active, happier and productive lives. For those reasons, I support it and will continue to do so.

I donate to this nonprofit every year because they make new lives possible for so many women.

We have supported the Fistula Foundation for years now. They have always been transparent in the services they provide and how our contributions are used. In this time of suspect organizations, they are a leader in how an organization should operate.

In spite of having given birth myself, I didn't know about fistula until watching a documentary about women in Africa dealing with this condition. Childbirth injury was the first health issue I found personal identification with. It made me appreciate my access to advanced medical care in the U.S. - "But for the grace …". All women deserve adequate obstetric care and shouldn't endure a lifetime of misery and degradation as result of difficult childbirth. Fistula Foundation funds life-altering treatment at no cost to impoverished women. My donations make a real difference.

Many years ago I learned of the Fistula Foundation and their incredible work on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Can you imagine living out your life being shunned by all the people you knew and loved due to your unrelenting odor which came about through a difficult and prolonged birth, with a devastating outcome? But a simple operation can remedy a person's life profoundly. Although the women are very poor, travel many days from their remote locations, often by foot to receive medical attention, the care and compassion they receive transforms their lives. This organization is very worthy and is top-rated by Charity Navigator. But if you sign up for www.smile.amazon.com and list your favorite charity as Fistula Foundation, whenever you order through smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Fistula Foundation. AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know; same products, same prices, same service. You're not paying 1¢ more for your order and you're making quite a difference in the life of someone you'll never know but will be forever thankful. But regardless if you choose Fistula Foundation as your favorite charity or another worthwhile charity. support your charitable organization by starting your shopping at smile.amazon.com.

I'm really impressed with this organization -- meeting an important need and serving women who often have no other resources. I give regularly and follow the stories they publish.

I am proud to support this excellent organization focused on a condition that is treatable and
makes such a difference in the lives of women who otherwise would live in misery as outcasts. They train local doctors to do the surgery which multiplies the number of women they are able to help.

I first learned about the foundation years ago reading "Half the Sky" and have been a follower and fan ever since. Any donation is really an investment with an exponentially amplified return, given that a single medical procedure is all it takes to change a woman's life forever, empowering her to create, produce and contribute her community. I could not be more proud to support this organization.

As the very first contributor to the "Love A Sister" monthly donation campaign so many years ago, I am so pleased to have seen this charity grow. What wonderful work they do!

A difficult childbirth should not doom a woman to a personal life of misery, disenfranchisement, and pain. Fistula foundation locates impoverished women suffering with this postpartum condition, and restores their lives through an operation which allows them to heal. Such a simple solution to restore a family to a functioning life!

I love the feedback this charity provides to donors. I love hearing stories of the survivors!

I think the Fistula Foundation is wonderful because it supports women in Africa and Asia who are going through a rough time raising their kids because they don't have food to eat and water to drink.

It is such a pleasure to donate to a charity that not only fulfills a critically-needed mission but is also a wise steward of its resources and communicates its work to donors so very clearly. I thoroughly recommend Fistula Foundation to anyone who can and would like to share their gifts to those who so desperately need them.

I have been donating to the Fistula Foundation for several years now and I continue to hold it in high regard. I have consistently been impressed with their commitment to improving the lives of women who have been affected by obstetric fistula. A donation to the Fistula Foundation is a donation to change the life of a woman who otherwise could not afford her surgery. I commend the people of the Fistula Foundation for all of their hard work and hope they continue helping women wherever there is a need for their services.

This is one of the few nonprofits that is well run, effective and gets results for little spend. Highly recommend. No one should suffer from having a baby when such a simple fix is available.

The Fistula Foundation is an honest, transparent organization that serves an essential need.
They serve a population of women that is often forgotten. They honor their mission with integrity and compassion.

So happy to know that you are there to help the women who desperately need it! You give them the chance to live outside the shadow of rejection that they have been forced into. Thank you for all you do!

There is no end to the number of appeals from non-profits that land in my in-box and mail box. Why have I supported Fistula Foundation for many years? Because it stays focused on its core mission: providing medical care that helps women regain control of their lives and their dignity. At the same time it has demonstrated that it can be nimble and flexible in responding to RELEVANT changes in the communities it serves. In contrast, too many other organizations bombard me with emotional appeals ripped from the headlines, the cause of the day or the week or the month. I wholeheartedly support Fistula Foundation, both for its work and its thoughtful, informative communication with donors.

I love donating to the fistula foundation, such a small amount of money can create such a significant change in the health and well-being of women’s lives.

My wife Claudia and I have been donating to the Fistula Foundation for more than a decade. We carefully vet every charity we support, and this is simply one of the very best. When I think of the pain and suffering of young women who are afflicted with a torn fistula, and the horrible lives they lead, my heart breaks. What this charity does for them is nearly miraculous. A simple surgery and a short recovery, and their lives can be transformed. I am deeply grateful for the work done by these dedicated people. Thank you! ������❤️

This is by far my favourite charity to donate to. The work that the Fistula Foundation does is so important. I’m very thankful to have discovered it so that I can contribute to fistula surgeries of women in need.

I have donated to the fistula foundation for over a decade and remain impressed by the organisations help for women. I am amazed that so little of my donation is spent on administration and so much goes to front line medicine.

Kate Grant, CEO, reached out to us individually after our first donation. We also received a two DVD set- "Half the Sky" which we are sharing with others to raise awareness of this worthy charity.

We are monthly contributors to FF. We have been doing this for many years and it is our main charity for giving. Before I contribute our hard earned money to any charity I vet them as throughly as possible. FF has always meet the criteria of being most trusted. In addition their mission touches my heart.

I am so impressed with Fistula Foundation- both with the true need for their mission and the work they do to make women's bodies and lives whole. I am a small but passionate donor.

Whilst working as a volunteer In Ethiopia I visited the Fistula Hospital on a few occasions and met many wonderful people there - patients and staff. I found it to be one of the very special places on earth to be and was able to help in a small way, apart from donations. I was aware of an organisation in the UK who donated unused / unwanted /unneeded medical equipment for patients. I put the two organisations together and hope that they are still working together for the benefit of patients.

Years after learning about Fistula Foundation, I am still amazed by what they are able to accomplish with their donations. I admire everything about the organization, from its core mission and ideology to its remarkable effectiveness and scale.

My nice and her husband are medical missionaries in Cambodia. She is an ob/gyn doctor working with women dealing with high-risk pregnancies. She has told me of the many women she sees who are dealing with fistulas. They face heart-breaking issues because of these concerns and many go untreated most of their lives. I KNOW the great work of the Fistula Foundation and I am confident that every penny I donate is well spent and brings positive changes to women and their families.

Making a contribution for a cause to help people heal their lives is valuable.

The Fistula Foundation does great work - the difference they make in the lives of affected women is incredible. Their very specific mission enables them to focus on a critical issue and continue to find ways to be more effective. Also, their staff are very personal - sending customized thank yous for donations and gift purchases regularly. It makes me very happy to support them!

I have worked with FF for over 10 years as a VVF-specialist.
FF is a very professional organization, which helps numerous women al over the globe.
I support FF for 100%. Their work in this difficult period is even more important. The challenges for pregnant women in low resource countries are greater than ever.

I am happy to have been able to give support for many years to this nonprofit group that does so much to help women with obstetric fistula. The work they do is life changing for women who would otherwise be suffering and isolated from their communities. The Fistula foundation is financially sound and has grown to help many more women.

I first came across the Fistula Foundation after reading the appalling story of early fistula research in the US. Dr J Marion Sims carried out horrific experiments on enslaved black women without either anaesthetic or any kind of informed consent and it is very depressing to know that he is still regarded as a hero of gynaecology in some circles. However, this did lead me to reading more about the situation today and the incredible work of the Fistula Foundation, helping to alleviate this painful and humiliating condition. I have found the Foundation to be very informative about how donations are being used and it is so great to see them making a very real difference to the lives of thousands of women worldwide. Keep up the good work!

I wanted to donate to a trustworthy charity during lockdown, and the Fistula Foundation featured as one of the most open and ethical of all charities. Since then that positive reputation has grown; I’ve been in awe of their life- affirming work with young women and the way lives can be utterly transformed by a relatively straightforward operation. I’ve also been really impressed by the very personal way of expressing thanks for each donation. What a great thing to do, to remove the stigma of rejection and to empower women to make the most of themselves. Great work!

I’ve not supported a charity before, except for two or three small donations to an animal shelter. When I came across the message that this organization had put out telling of the service that they’re providing, I was so deeply moved that I knew I had to support their work. I live in the USA and have had 3 births with zero complications. I know that I have my medical team to thank for this. It is through no merit of my own that I have access to this luxury; but by miraculous placement. I am happy to commit my own resources to ensure that other women who are not so fortunate have access to this simple procedure that changes lives and offers higher self-esteem, self confidence, and the ability to live the life of one’s dreams. Thank you to all who support this most essential of causes.

I have been donating to Fistula Foundation since I saw their story on Oprah Winfrey in 2004. Fistula Foundation continues to exceed expectations as a non-profit charity. They keep their donors well informed and are very transparent regarding how the money is spent. I am proud to support Fistula Foundation and plan to continue donating as long as I am able.

Fistula Foundation has brought relief to tens of thousands of women. Donors are kept informed of and connected to the work. It’s a privilege to be a part of this community.

Well-run, effective organisation that communicates efficiently and does essential work.

Fistula foundation’s work was my choice for a recent Birthday fundraiser- The work of this amazing group focuses on providing medical and social supports for women in third world countries who had medical complications from giving birth- Fistula repair offers better sanitation, dignity, and restoring to health women who are other wise suffering - for a surgery that costs just about $500 US.

The organization is well run, fiscally responsible and serves those who need it most - Well done Fistula Foundation

I've been a supporter of the Fistula Foundation for the last decade, even joining the Board because I believe so deeply in the transformative work they do for so many of the poorest , most vulnerable women across Africa.
Last year I went with CEO Kate Grant and other board members to Kenya to see first hand the work they do. We met surgeons, fistula survivors, and women - young and old - who were waiting in hospital beds for fistula surgery, often with babies cradled in their arms. When we met the survivors, many would dance and sing with joy, eager to share their stories about how this simple surgery changed their lives and made them whole again. Some women had lived with fistula for years - shunned by their families and communities - all because they didn't have a simple surgical procedure that often costs less than $500.
Kate Grant and the Fistula Foundation team are without question the most committed, transparent, and passionate changemakers I have ever had the privilege of knowing They are getting it done, one surgery at a time. Brava!

Their mission is clear, their impact important and their communication is effective. I am very confident that my donations make a difference in the lives of women who desperately need basic medical care that I am privileged to take for granted.

Nearly 15 years ago, I first learned about the Fistula Foundation on the Oprah Winfrey show. I felt devastated that so many women around the world were suffering from fistulas due to lack of maternal care available. I have been a proud supporter of this organization ever since. They are very transparent with how they use their donations, Update donors regularly on both successes and challenges, and make me feel connected. I never doubt the direct impact my donations are making.

Highly transparent with excellent communication to donors. The foundation makes you feel connected to the people you're trying to help, sharing their stories in an accessible and affecting way that arouses empathy and makes you feel that your support is contributing to something worthwhile. They keep you informed about their activities and about developments in the fistula realm, without barraging you with too much marketing material or pleas for additional support.

I was moved to donate after a PBS documentary about obstetric fistula. I can't imagine have a fistula but not being able to have it treated. I'm proud to support the Fistula Foundation monthly.

Transparent and effective. I feel very confident that my money is doing good when I donate to the Fistula Foundation.

The Fistula Foundation performs the sort of niche medical assistance that affects many beyond the patients they heal. To treat a woman with a fistula is not only to return her to her family and her society: it is to make her an ambassador to her world, demonstrating in herself the value of resisting fatalism by taking action to alleviate suffering, the value of modern medicine in changing the course of a life, and the value of women to the prosperity, health and well-being of any society or nation. The Foundation does so much and it should be helped to do more.

I have been supporting this wonderful, important organization since the early 2000s when I heard Dr. Hamlin on the Oprah show. Because I rarely watched Oprah's show, I have always felt it was a divine appointment. I was so moved by Dr. Hamlin's story and the commitment she and her husband had to these women. It has been exciting and a real privilege
to support this organization and watch it grow these past 20 yrs. I have told so many of my friends about the Fistula Foundation over they years and they have started supporting the mission, as well. It is a well-run, transparent, multi-level organization. I love the way they communicate both facts and personal stories in their newsletters. It is a deep desire of mine to some day be able to visit one of the hospitals.

As a member of the Fistula Foundation board of directors, I visited hospitals and health centers in Kenya recently along with my wife and other members of the board. I was hugely impressed with the dedication and skill demonstrated by the surgeons and other health professionals supported by the foundation -- and deeply moved by the stories of the women we met both before and after surgery to repair their wounds. The foundation's work in Kenya is part of an ambitious but feasible effort to eradicate obstetric fistula in one country. And a second countrywide program is already underway in Zambia. There will be more. I have worked with hundreds of charities in my 40 years of professional involvement in the nonprofit sector. But I have never seen a more effective organization.

Thanks for allowing such a great opportunity to really help reduce suffering of women with this terrible condition.

I have been supporting the Fistula Foundation since I first became aware of them through a guest appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show. My continued support is the result of the excellent work that they do, the way they use funding for maximum benefit, and the way they communicate results to donors like me. Thank you to Fistula Foundation for the work you do and giving me a chance to be a part of your mission.

The Fistula Foundation makes a lasting difference in the lives of the women it helps. Few organizations can rival the beneficial impact they make on the lives they touch. I am honored to support their life changing work.

The Fistula Foundation restores dignity and health to women injured by difficult deliveries in places where medical care is minimal. I appreciate the opportunity to support them in their mission.

I’ve been contributing to the Fistula Foundation for several years. They deal with a widespread problem on a human, person-to-person scale. They work to heal women and help them reclaim & restore their dignity. When they said that a donation of $586 could pay for a surgery and hospital stay, a new dress and a bus ticket home for one woman, I couldn’t resist. It’s a clear, direct and effective way to make a meaningful contribution - sister-to-sister.

I received information about the Fistula Foundation through the mail.
I was so touched by the accounts of the girls and women who were being helped by these wonderful doctors and workers. The girls who are forced to marry young and do not receive the needed obstetric care. Their babies are trapped in the birth canal and many of the babies die. The girls are torn inside and leak urine or feces through the vagina.
Then they are forced to leave the home because of the drainage and smell. These girls and women are ostracized when they need love and care. I only give to a special few charities and I am honored to be able to give to the Fistula Foundation.

The Fistula Foundation is an excellent charity that helps women and girls who have suffered a type of childbirth injury that can be physically and socially devastating. The Foundation does work that helps out residents of developing countries and allows them to thrive. They are definitely worth your donation.

I first learned about the Fistula Foundation about 7 years ago. I was so impressed with their story that I immediately found out how I could help. I donate to this excellent charity every year. Their work is extremely important, and significantly improves the quality of life for these unfortunate women.
Thank You Fistula foundation and all you that work with them for the service you provide.

It is obviously far beyond a man's ability of realization of the suffering of a women for childbearing complications and toll on health. As I came to US from a third world's conservative country I know, how many women and girl has to dedicate their whole life to bear children after children, and men who are the decision maker of the family and that man dominated society just use women's body as a child bearing machine. If any women is not good for this job then she has no value on that society. Moreover, no one realize even without child bearing, due birth defect, accident, sexual violence, early marriage... for many reason so many women suffer many kinds gynecological problem silently, that no one even mentioned. People of USA, even women could not able to imagine how, in backward society full of religiously obstructed protocol just put a tons of shame on those women and through them to an impossible struggle alone.

Why we let them to live a life like that? We should bring every record of their silent pain to account and help to raise awareness and funds for their treatments. As I donor, I sincerely appreciate the Great job that Fistula Foundation is doing to break that silence. We should be committed to help on their efforts. Thanks.

We lived in Addis Ababa in the 1970's when my husband was assigned to the Naval Research Unit there....NAMRU2...he was a medical entomologist and he worked on insect borne diseases such as Malaria and Relapsing Fever. Our American Wives Club worked on a project with the Hamlins at the Fistula Clinic they started. Our job was to make skirts and blouses for the girls after they completed their surgery and were ready to return home. We also provided the money to pay for thieir bus trip home.
We made the skirts and blouses out of border print sheets that we ordered from the states with our military privileges. We made them so "one size -fits all." They were quite colorful and we heard the girls were happy with them . I always remember seeing the girls waiting out- side of the clinic for "their turn" to go in. They would walk miles to get there for this opportunity. It truly was an amazing experience for us to be really involved in that way to help the women. It was an honor for us to be involved with the Hamlins....we met them once or twice. Our two children and my husband will never forget or stop being thankful for that experience we had in Ethiopia

Once I learned of this organization through the New York Times, I have supported it. They are friendly and highly organized. They are quite transparent about their finances and where the money goes--a number of poor or under-serviced countries. They make an effort to keep their supporters up to date. Periodically, they relay first-person accounts from women who have benefited--i.e. ,had the operation at one of their clinics.

All the evidence I've seen, and my experience with them indicate that this is an excellent humanitarian project with real, tangible benefits to harmed and shamed women in a number of poor countries.

This charity is doing excellent work treating a problem that most people never hear about but which can be devastating to people who don’t have access to the necessary surgery.

I first heard of Fistula Foundation at a Christian women's retreat many years ago. A percentage of our retreat fee was given to Fistula Foundation and there was a segment of the program featuring the work of this amazing nonprofit. I cannot imagine the suffering, shame, and shunning women with fistula face. The condition reminds me of the biblical woman who was subject to a bleeding disorder for 12 years before Jesus healed her. Everyone connected with Fistula Foundation is like a little Jesus, bringing compassion, hope, and a cure. I have been donating to Fistula Foundation ever since that retreat! Cindy W

This charity gives women dignity during a very difficult time.

The Fistula Foundation supports a critical gap in maternal child health--making lasting change for women and families affected by fistula, training front line practitioners, and advocating on this terribly important issue. I am a sustaining supporter for many years. As a professional working in humanitarian aid, I can attest that there are few organizations that focus on the topics that the Fistula Foundation does--that is what keeps me supporting them.

Fistula Foundation does work that is literally life-changing, allowing women to reclaim their lives after years of ostracism and shame. I'm honored to support this fine organization.

I admire and support this organization and its medical professionals and other volunteers who dedicate themselves to helping our sisters across the globe struggling with debilitating obstetric fistula. God bless them and their efforts!
SueU

I can't think of a better dollar spent than those spent helping women and girl pariahs to change their status. It's possible that being rejected by society is a worse penalty than the obvious physical problems.
Furthermore, the Fistula Foundation has a great record being financially responsible with their donations.

I read some chilling stories about third world women crippled by childbirth and it seemed to be something I could help with so I signed up for monthly donations to Fistula Foundation. Also, I had recently been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, so it seemed appropriate to help other women, and I hoped it would bring me luck.
Karen

The work that this organization does is truly amazing and life-changing for the women it helps. I am proud to be a donor after hearing about this cause from a friend who is a fellow supporter.

This Fistula Foundation is my ideal of a well run, effective, inspiring charity. It doesn't bombard me with requests or gimmicks, but it does send out interesting updates on the critical work they do for some of the most vulnerable women in the world. A wonderful organization.

I have been a wound, ostomy, continence nurse for 30 years and have worked with many patients with abdominal fistulas. The patients I work with are fortunate enough to have the means to pay for their surgeries and have accessibility. I support the Fistula foundation to help others in more disadvantaged situations. Thank you for all you do!

Last year as I was doing my field work I got a mother who had been discriminated by the husband due to leakage of urine this touched me as health worker I deed psychology counseling, and with the help of pastor I managed to take the mother to Bomu hospital for repair, since then I have been getting some mother and mothers who come for assistant of the same problem.
Challenges that I come a cross is there some men who have some how the same problem and to my effort I have been referring them to health facilities.
My plan is to hold a meeting doing psycho education (sensitization) to the community.

As I have watched the US government diminish and withdraw support from causes that help poor women and children overseas, I have realized how essential it is to have organizations like the Fistula Foundation. What they do is life-saving for women and their families - in many cases appropriate intervention to prevent fistula or simple surgery to repair it can make a tremendous difference. Their tireless work and excellent public interface are examples for all non-profits to emulate! I will be pleased to continue my financial support of this organization, and I urge others to consider similar support.
Diane Mitchell, Hemet, CA

Fistula Foundation is doing really great work!
Is there any possiblity of making donations tax deductible in Germany and maybe other european Countries? Might motivate more donors.

After reading "Half the Sky" and watching the video "A Walk to Beautiful" I was inspired to learn more about the Fistula Foundation. This organization restores life to so many women who have had to endure horrible physical conditions as a result of childbirth trauma. I feel blessed that I have been able to support the Fistula Foundation for over five years now , and I encourage everyone to join this humanitarian effort.

My confidence in the Fistula Foundation could not be higher. I am always sure that the donations I send will be used in the most efficient way to help the victims of this terrible condition.

The Fistula Foundation does so much to improve women's lives for so little money. Obstetric fistula is maybe not an easy sell as a cause--but it is a common and devastating condition. The stories of the women involved and the heroic people who work to make their lives better never fail to move me.

This charity gives women their lives back. It is a joy to think that whatever donation I can give, contributes to this wonderful cause. Imagine, a life with no hope is changed to one of purpose. They do wonderful work.

I am a long time donor to this wonderful organization. They have literally given so many women a new life and helped restore their dignity and self worth. It gives me great joy to help, if only in a small way, in the success of their mission. Thank you, Fistula Foundation, for allowing me the opportunity to help return my many blessings from God.

Enough cannot be said about the DEDICATION and PROFESIONALISM this organization demonstrates ON BEHALF OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE. As a small donor, I am very proud each time I see the tremendous progress they accomplish each year! Please keep those donations going, WHATEVER you can contribute!

I have donated to Fistula Foundation for several years. As a professional woman, I make a comfortable living, but am not wealthy. I want to give money to organizations where my relatively modest donations can have an important impact. Fistula Foundation is such an organization. The surgeries that they pay for and train doctors to perform change women's lives for the better immediately. Imagine being a woman who is isolated and ostracized because you cannot afford an operation that costs just a few hundred dollars. Imagine that you are another woman who has the ability to fund one or more operations that will permit other women to rejoin society as happy, active members. How could you not donate to an organization like Fistula Foundation that has a proven record of helping women get needed fistula surgeries?

The Fistula Foundation has the best mission that I know of among American charities. It reaches out beyond our rich country to find and help entirely innocent people who are in the most desperate situation. The plight of a woman who is a victim of fistula can be resolved by an intervention that is relatively inexpensive and highly efficient, and it is ONLY by this medical intervention that a socially crippling and devastating outcome can be prevented. This is a high-leverage use of an American family's charity funds, so much better that smugly supporting other people who are much closer to us geographically and socially but whose needs are far less. The Fistula Foundation is much more far-sighted, and fills a great gap of imagination and knowledge in our home society by reaching out across oceans and worlds to cure women suffering from grievous accidents of childbirth.