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.

eLLE Eales

I first heard about the Fistula Hospital, like many others, while watching the Oprah Show back in January of 2004. Oprah welcomed Dr. Hamlin as a guest and as Dr. Hamlin described on national television the condition of fistula and the stories of these young mothers at the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, my heart began to sink in sorrow. The loss of a child is a tragedy like no other, but also to have to suffer even more from the fistula condition with shame and solitude is far more than any human being should ever have to experience. I was deeply moved to help the hospital. 

I decided to use my skill as an artist to raise funds for the Fistula Foundation. Once a month, I list one of my sculpture paintings for auction on eBay. The results from my following of art collectors participating in these charity auctions have been very successful. And I have decided to continue my once-a-month charity auctions for the Fistula Foundation for many years to come. I am honored that I can use my art to raise money to give healthy lives back to these beautiful young mothers in Ethiopia.

~ eLLE

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