Introducing a few of our mightiest champions

Introducing
a few of our
mightiest
champions
DEDICATED TO RAISING AWARENESS OF AND FUNDING FOR FISTULA PREVENTION,
TREATMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS WORLDWIDE.
www.fistulafoundation.org
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Meet Amy Oztan
Popular blogger Amy Oztan wins online challenge and donates funds to the Fistula
Foundation.
When blogger extraordinaire Amy Oztan was invited to take on the
“Lose to Win Challenge” from DietBet.com, she not only lost weight
but also gained a donation to the Fistula Foundation – and raised
awareness about the foundation from her popular “Selfish Mom” blog
as well.
Dietbet.com, an online social dieting game that gives players the
opportunity to win money through weight-loss competitions, put up a
pot of $5,000 and invited seven top bloggers to compete in this monthlong, high-stakes game that benefitted charities. And the remarkable
result was a seven-way tie with each participant splitting the pot
equally, and players donating some or all of their winnings to the
charity of their choice.
Amy noted in her blog that her goal was twofold: to lose weight and “to help women in developing countries
who are injured in childbirth get the surgery they need to be healthy and productive again. I’m really glad that
I could contribute to this worthy cause . . . . And as much as I would’ve liked to be the only winner and keep
the entire pot of money for myself and my charity, I’m happily amazed that we all did it.”
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Meet Kit and Lorraine Brazier
Fistula Foundation donors Kit and
Lorraine Brazier sharing a happy
moment with Rascal, their faithful
Golden Retriever, at their home in
Tualatin, Oregon.
Former Marine Officer Kit Brazier was
reading Peter Singer’s book, The Life You
Can Save, and he took to heart the author’s
suggestion to embrace the responsibility of
donating 5% of his annual income to a nonprofit organization. But which one would he choose? Well,
the Fistula Foundation was mentioned in this book. Singer commented that the Fistula Foundation’s
funding of fistula surgery provided a dramatic way for a charitable donation to change lives. Indeed,
this got Kit’s attention. Since then, Kit and his wife Lorraine have been monthly donors to the Fistula
Foundation.
But Kit wasn’t entirely satisfied. He wanted to do more. “Everyone needs a goal,” he says. “My goal
will be to have the stock market shine brightly upon my investments so that I can afford to
completely fund a new medical clinic devoted to fistula treatment in the next most important region
in Africa.”
He also has a very personal reason for doing so. “The other reason,” he shares, “is that I am a prostate
cancer survivor. I have the inconvenience of being incontinent. This is truly a minor inconvenience,
but one that gives me great sensitivity to the women who are suffering the horrors of having a fistula
resulting from childbirth or sexual assault.” We are so grateful and deeply touched.
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Meet Inspiring Mother-Daughter Team
Tracy and Sarah Gladstone
Throughout the year, and around the world, extraordinarily devoted friends are helping
us. We’d like to introduce you to one very special mother-daughter team: Tracy
Gladstone and her 12-year-old daughter Sarah, from Brookline, Massachusetts.
Sarah’s mom Tracy says with a touch of surprise in
her voice that Sarah found us all on her own after
reading the book Half the Sky by Nicholas D. Kristof
and Sheryl WuDunn. With her bat mitzvah
coming up this spring, Sarah decided to support an
issue she feels strongly about. Obstetric fistula isn’t
an easy subject. That didn’t stop Sarah. “Not a lot
of 12-year-old girls can talk about this with as
much poise as she talks about it,” says Tracy.
12-year-old Sarah Gladstone is
extraordinary. She found us all on her own
and organized an inspiring and incredibly
successful fundraising project to raise
donations for The Fistula Foundation.
Sarah named her Fistula Foundation fundraising
project “The Starfish Project,” after reading a quote
in a book about a young boy who walks a beach
and throws one starfish back into the water at a
time, knowing he can never save them all. To raise
donations for The Fistula Foundation, Sarah sells
handmade beaded bracelets for $20 each using
materials produced by women in Cambodia from
the fair trade organization Global Goods Partners.
“I know I’m not making a difference for every
single girl who has this condition,” she explains.
“But at least I know I’m helping out one, two or
three girls.” More than that.
How much money do you suppose Sarah has raised? $5,000 in just a few short months. Amazing,
isn’t it? On behalf of the many women you are helping, our deepest thanks to Tracy and Sarah
Gladstone and all the friends supporting your efforts near and far.
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Meet Emily Achler, Ashley Gardiner and Sarah Scott
During lunch and coffee breaks, three
young professionals struck up a
conversation about recent news on the
crisis of maternal health in developing
countries. Inspired by the book Half the
Sky and their desire to help their sisters
abroad, they decided to be a part of
change through the Fistula Foundation.
A personal message from Circle of Friend volunteer ambassador, Sarah Scott:
A year ago (May 2010), we began to talk over lunch and coffee breaks at work (in educational policy)
about articles and news stories covering the crisis of maternal health in developing countries. We
were particularly influenced by articles and books written by Nicholas Kristoff, especially Half the Sky.
As we sat in our comfortable office and apartments, we thought about the young women our age
suffering by the millions because of obstructed labor and the devastating effects that follow. The only
difference between us is that we were born into a privileged life with choices; choices about our
bodies, choices about our health, and choices on how, and when, we choose to give birth.
We felt the need to help our sisters abroad, and together decided to be a part of change through the
Fistula Foundation's Circle of Friends program. Women's Health and Empowerment Worldwide
(WHEW), our Circle of Friends chapter, held its first event in April 2011, and we were amazed at the
collective energy and willingness to help from our wonderful friends. Since holding the event, Emily
has joined us as our Communications Manager and the three of us, deepening our friendship and our
commitment to those suffering with fistulas, have created a blog, Facebook page, and a Twitter
account in hopes of reaching more supporters, and healing those around the globe who are suffering,
one woman at a time. We plan to continue to host WHEW events in the Washington, DC area to raise
money and awareness of fistulas, so please follow us for updates on how you can get involved in DC!
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Throughout the school year, hundreds of students are
helping us by raising awareness and donations.
We are sincerely grateful to the devoted young leaders who choose us as a charitable cause worth
supporting. To every single student, their teachers, communities and families who inspire and
encourage them, and to all who support them, thank you.
More than 150 students from
Ohio’s Elyria High School helped
the Fistula Foundation during the
2010-11 school year. Here are just
a few of them with their teacher,
Jane Bier (far right).
Jane Bier and students of her Women’s
Studies class have been helping the
Fistula Foundation since 2006. During the 2010-11 school year, they raised more than $900 by selling
t-shirts featuring a message “HOPE, Helping Other People Everywhere” and handmade bracelets.
“We are grateful for the strength and beauty of you and your patients,” says Jane. “Their stories
uplift us all.”
Students at South Carolina’s Spring Valley High School Call 2 Action Club selected us as their
charitable cause during 2010-11. Leaders Jillian Cunningham, Sona Tailor, Kellie Shell, Rebeccas
Rhym, Safiyya Ali, Anna Mesa and Jasmine Ruiz-Yi were inspired to help us after reading the book
Half the Sky. They raised a total of $550 by selling baked goods and handmade bracelets. “I hope this
small contribution will help your Foundation and aid those women in need,” says Jillian. Your cause
is truly inspiring and we thank you for what you do.”
Knowing that health and dignity are priceless gifts, the members of Kehillat Israel Tzedakah Teens
Bet have chosen to award the Fistula Foundation a 2011 grant totaling $4,650 dollars. This grant will
be used to help pay for seven obstetric fistula surgeries and to fund a truly innovative way to increase
treatment — the commissioning of one-of-a-kind, three-wheeled All Terrain Ambulance Vehicle
equipped to transport a single patient where no paved roads exist in the remotest regions where the
Fistula Foundation is helping. On behalf of these women and their families, deepest thanks.
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Meet the Inspiring Polland Family
The Polland family from New York City have been committed to helping women with
obstetric fistula for years. To the entire Polland family, and to all families who choose
to support us together, we thank you. We want you to know that you are doing
something very special.
DIANE POLLAND
In the spring of 2011, Diane took time to write us a letter to share their family’s news. She enclosed a
Love-A-Sister donation from a friend to help pay for one more woman’s obstetric fistula surgery.
Diane and her daughters Danielle and Allison have been committed to helping women with obstetric
fistula for some time now. “They are proud of the work you do,” she explains. Danielle will be
attending Tufts University soon. And Allison recently graduated from Columbia’s Presbyterian
College of Physicians and Surgeons. Diane adds that Allison was “so moved by this cause through
the years, she had already selected urology as her specialty and now will continue her training at Mt.
Sinai Hospital in New York City.” Allison recently spent two months in Ethiopia as part of her
medical school rotation experience. And she had an opportunity to visit the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals
in Addis Ababa. “Allison has come home with amazing stories,” says mom. Warmest thanks, Diane,
for sharing this motivating update. Perhaps someone will read this and say to herself, “I can do that,
too.” Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
DANIELLE POLLAND
The year was 2007. Danielle Polland
was in Middle School. She was so
moved by the plight of fistula victims
she organized a fundraising effort at
her school. At that point, we asked
her to please stay in touch with us.
We’re delighted to report that over
the last three years Danielle’s
commitment to helping women with
fistula, and other women in
developing countries who are victims
of abuse, neglect and abandonment
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has grown. During 2010, while a junior in High School, she founded the Action for Women Club at
her High School, Great Neck North. As part of her efforts, she’s served as an informal ambassador for
the Fistula Foundation, giving talks to local groups, such as the Rotary Clubs in her area, and
collecting donations from her community. It is inspiring to see such a big heart and determined spirit
in one so young. Thanks, Danielle for your pioneering efforts and to your mom, Diane – since behind
every great child is usually a great mom.
A CONVERSATION WITH ALLISON POLLAND
How did you first learn about obstetric fistula?
I first learned about obstetric fistula, long before I
became a doctor, when my younger sister Danielle
decided to raise money for a fistula repair surgery
as a way to give back upon the occasion of her Bat
Mitzvah, a celebration of becoming an adult in the
Jewish faith.
Allison during her medical school rotation in
Ethiopia. “Every single woman in this photo is
holding a baby on her back,” shares Allison,
“even the little girls holding my hands.”
What are you doing to help in raising
awareness and perhaps donations to help treat
women with obstetric fistula?
During my fourth year of medical school I chose to
spend 2 months working at hospitals in Ethiopia.
There I visited the fistula hospital and spent time working in
Addis Ababa with adult and pediatric patients. Seeing how
incredibly beautiful and well run the Hamlin Fistula Hospital was
made me realize how much all of the efforts to raise money help.
Now having graduated medical school, I am going on to a
residency in urology and plan to eventually specialize in female
pelvic reconstruction.
Why is this important to you as a family? As individuals?
Danielle and Allison Polland
at Allison’s medical school
graduation.
Obstetric fistula has a profound impact on the women who suffer
from it, not only medical but social and economic as well. As a
doctor it is inspiring to know that through performing surgery you
can have an impact on so many aspects of a patient's life.
Any inspirational encouragement you could offer?
You don't have to be a doctor or go to Ethiopia, some of the greatest good is done by people like my
sister who raise money in five and ten dollar bills which all together provide life-changing surgery.
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
From Talk to Action
What started as a conversation at the community pool in Fairfax, Virginia, after viewing
the award-winning film "A Walk to Beautiful", turned into an empowering event three
months later. The main event, held on September 13, 2010 drew a diverse group of
dedicated women.
The main organizers, Carmela Knepler and
her friend Kate Depret-Guillaume reached
out to tens of their own friends opening
hearts and minds to the plight of fistula
patients and raised $10,000 to support fistula
treatment.
Jeff Blithe, Kate Depret-Guilluame, Tsedale
Assefa and Carmela Knepler
Several old friends of the foundation were
key participants in the event with awardwinning photographer Mary Calvert sharing
her photos taken at the Bahr Dar Fistula
Hospital and Tsedale Assefa, the chair of the
Washington DC Tesfa Ineste Committee,
providing her personal account of fistula
injuries and treatment.
Mary Calvert's photo exhibit
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
Tea and Empathy Event Focuses on Fistula Foundation
What is the most personally embarrassing event you can remember? That was the
conversation-starter question posed by the Tea and Empathy event hostess Kat Likkel
to a group of talented and engaged professional women gathered in her home.
The group came to learn more about obstetric
fistula and Kat’s question definitely got the
conversation going as women recalled laughter
creating episodes of embarrassing emails and
personal beauty disasters. But, what became
clear after the group had watched a short film
about women with obstetric fistula is that none
had experiences anything close to the
humiliation and loss of basic dignity
experienced by women left incontinent by the
childbirth injury obstetric fistula.
On a beautiful sunny Sunday in November 2008,
the women, who work mainly in the
entertainment industry, gathered to hear more
Kat Likkel, event hostess and Cindy Chupak,
about lives of women a world away. The event
co-founder of Tea and Empathy
was titled "Tea and Empathy – Women
Dedicated to Making a Difference One Tea at a Time — focusing on the Fistula Foundation". The Tea
and Empathy group was formed over a year ago to help open hearts and minds, and not just wallets,
to organizations and causes of interest. The busy group of women takes time out every two months
to learn about and support diverse organizations. Fistula Foundation Executive Director Kate Grant
attended the event in Pasadena, giving a talk about fistula and leading a discussion of what can be
done to help the approximately 2 million women the World Health Organization estimates still
struggle mightily with untreated fistula.
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On behalf of so many whose lives have been
transformed, and the surgeons who help them,
Thank you.
www.fistulafoundation.org
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One woman at a time.
That is how we fight fistula.
By restoring health and dignity to
one. One woman with the will to
survive. She is still waiting.
What You Can Do
STAY INFORMED
There are so many ways to stay informed. Visit our website (www.fistulafoundation.org) to read one woman's
story. Browse our newsletter, Transformations and news articles. And most important of all, join our mailing
list to get the latest updates on how we're helping.
MAKE A CHARITABLE DONATION
Your charitable donation will change a woman's life forever, helping pave the road from despair to dignity.
GIVE A GIFT OF DIGNITY
Looking for a way to honor someone you love — be it your mother, grandmother, wife, sister or good friend?
In thanks for making a life-changing donation to the Fistula Foundation, you or the recipient of your choice
can receive a unique Dignity Gift item or Tribute Card.
LOVE-A-SISTER
Join the Love-A-Sister program and cover the cost for one woman's free, safe fistula surgery — either as a onetime donation of $450 or a monthly donation of $37.50. In thanks for your donation, we proudly offer you a
personalized certificate celebrating that this life-changing donation has been made in your name or in honor of
someone you love.
BECOME A CIRCLE OF FRIENDS VOLUNTEER AMBASSADOR
Do you feel others should hear more about these women whose lives are devastated by fistula? You can be
their voice. This popular program is designed for people like you who want to do something more.
Bring YOUR circle of friends together and make a difference. And why not have fun while you're at it? It's
that simple.
VOLUNTEER IN OUR SAN JOSE OFFICE
We know your time is precious. So, we only reach out once or twice a year to ask a few friends to provide a
couple of hours of their time here at our San Jose office for hands-on assistance assembling outreach projects
such as our next newsletter mailing. Interested? Send an email to [email protected].
 For more details, visit www.fistulafoundation.org
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