Donor Profile is one of the regular features in Fistula Foundation publications (see also One Woman's Story). Every month on our website, and in each newsletter, we feature a donor who has found a creative way to help the women of Fistula Hospital make the journey from despair to dignity.

Kinsey Oglesby

Last summer I watched the Oprah show featuring the heart gripping video about fistula patients in Ethiopia. My heart was flooded with compassion. As the story of their horror unfolded, I knew I had to act. I immediately went to the Fistula Foundation website and decided to kick off a fundraiser in the fall just before people started to buy for Christmas.

First I showed the video to my family. After watching we all consented to help the fistula patients instead of exchanging Christmas gifts. I also sent a letter out to over 80 friends and family members to spread the word about the needy fistula patients. My goal was to help at least 5 girls by the end of the year.

Next I hosted a brunch at my house where I showed the video to about 12 women. They were touched by the need and as a group decided to support one fistula patient. Each lady left with a jar to collect their pocket change. On the jar lid I wrote, "Change a Girl's Life." I also encouraged them to consider sacrificing some of their holiday spending for the fistula girls.

One of the women who attended the brunch became a voice for fistula. She organized auctions, fundraising meals, cleaned houses, sold exercise equipment and more. Her efforts generated over $2500.

The brunch ladies met again in December to bring their savings. I had a sack full of coins to deliver to the bank. I stood in the bank for about 30 minutes waiting to deposit the funds. The folks around me were impatient about the wait. But I only had joy. Because, unlike the fistula girls, I was standing there in clean, dry clothes. I was not leaking a horrible discharge and being a public disgrace. Their daily horror overshadows our petty grievances.

I'm overjoyed that all the fundraising efforts generated more than $6000 for the important work of the Fistula Foundation. Thank God for Oprah who exposed this need. She made me aware of the need and in turn I am becoming a voice for the fistula girls.

~Kinsey Oglesby

To read previous stories from the Donor Profile series, visit the Profile Archives page.