Christine
I am a retired Operating Room nurse from California and I have 2 grown children. I have had a passion and a calling to work in developing counties most of my life. I have done short term services projects and spent many vacations working overseas. I began coming to Kenya in 2009 working with a group of women in a slum Nairobi assisting them in starting a coop. In 2010 I began reading about Obstetric Fistula and the devastating effects on women's lives. In 2012 I returned to Kenya to research what was done to combat the problem. I came across a small clinic and a very passionate Surgeon. In 2013 I returned for a month to do more research and found myself listening to women share their stories of heartbreak and shame. At the end of that month I found myself asking the question "what next" both for myself and for these women. I have become deeply passionate about finding a way forward to independence and empowerment for these women. In 2014 I retired from a 41 year career in nursing and moved to Kenya. I am currently the program coordinator and the house Mom for the reintegration program called Beyond Fistula, attached to Gynocare Fistula Center. We have 15 girls in school and 9 in basic literacy classes and vocational training. The work is challenging, but nothing gives me more joy than seeing one of these girls physically and emotionally healed, empowered and able to care for themselves and their children.
Organization
Beyond Fistula- Beyond Fistula is a non-profit charity that helps women and girls in Africa who have recently undergone surgical repair for fistulas. Donating helps these women get an education and training in order reintegrate into society. Please help us make the world a better place by donating to these women… More
Needs validated
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$420of $400
5 supporters
Funded on 4/12/2016
Selena
from Eldoret, KE
I am working hard to earn an income so that my family will not sell me into marriage. I need a sewing machine, fabric and rent for a small shop. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$300of $300
5 supporters
Funded on 5/11/2016
Beryl
from Eldoret, KE
I need to pay for my sewing machine, living expenses and pay for an apprenticeship with an experienced tailor to further my skills More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$300of $300
5 supporters
Funded on 3/21/2016
Maureen
from Eldoret, KE
I've completed training to become a tailor. I need to purchase my sewing machine and enroll in an apprenticeship to support my newborn baby. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$400of $400
5 supporters
Funded on 6/5/2016
Roslyn
from Eldoret, Kenya
I'm determined to find the means to provide my daughter an education. I need to pay for my sewing machine, purchase more fabric and pay rent for a working space. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$270of $400
3 supporters
Funded on 7/28/2016
Susan
from Eldoret, Kenya
My parents want to sell me into marriage. I know I can support myself independently. Help me purchase start-up materials for my tailoring business. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$140of $400
4 supporters
Funded on 7/28/2016
Winnie
from Eldoret, Kenya
I love doing tailoring and bead work, and I am ready to start my own shop. Help me purchase a sewing machine and materials to begin selling my work! More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$505of $500
6 supporters
Funded on 6/21/2016
Emily
from Eldoret, Kenya
My husband abandoned me and our 4 children when I was diagnosed with fistula. I need help starting my clothing business to make an independent living. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$451of $450
12 supporters
Funded on 6/14/2016
Sophia
from Eldoret, Kenya
Despite my family's lack of support, I'm determined to complete school to become independent. I need help paying for essential supplies to make it. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$400of $400
2 supporters
Funded on 7/13/2016
Rosy
from Eldoret, Kenya
My deepest desire is to be able to feed, clothe and educate my children. Help me start my business so I can do just that. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$235of $450
6 supporters
Funded on 7/28/2016
Jones
from Eldoret, Kenya
I need a cow to better provide for my family of 6. I'll be able to feed my children and sell milk in order to keep them growing up healthy! More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$185of $400
6 supporters
Funded on 7/28/2016
Mercy
from Eldoret, Kenya
I know starting my own business will help me become independent & thrive. I need a sewing machine, materials and rent to open my space in my home country of Kenya. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula
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$98of $450
2 supporters
Funded on 2/17/2017
Faith
from Eldoret, Kenya
I need to pay for my training course and sewing machine to start on my path towards owning my own business. More
Validated by Christine from Beyond Fistula