10/10/2026
Obstetric fistula is a dreadful common outcome in areas where there is early pregnancy & little or no medical care. Those of you who follow us know that earlier this year we were able to fund repair surgery for 30 young women in Kenyaa suffering this debilitating, isolating condition. 30 women are released from shame & social isolation & are now able to earn a livelihood & care for their families. Two are nurses who will now be part of the Harambee volunteer medical team!
We have a list of more who need this life-restoring surgery, but at a final cost (greatly reduced by the intervention of our Grow A Doc graduate Dr. Calvince Owiti) of $2,700, we simply don't have funds to perform more. We're currently looking for sources of more funding, but today I was sent the following from Dr. Calvince.
The girl is 14 years old. Fourteen. Can you imagine? And I think that I have problems? As you know, I don't ask for money. Howevere, should you feel moved to help us give this child her life back, please contact Project Harambee. Our website is (www.projectharambee.org) --with no parentheses.
From Marion:
A Plea for Medical Support My name is Marion Kaluza. I am 14 years old, in Grade 8, and I live in Lepolosi, Transmara West, Narok County. My father passed away a few years ago, and life has been very hard for us since then.. After my father died, my mother, my younger brother and I were chased away from home after I became pregnant. We had nowhere to go and nobody to speak for us. We eventually came to Lepolosi, hoping that somehow life would become better. I became pregnant when I was only 13 years old, carrying twins. At 14, I gave birth after a very long and difficult labour. I suffered a deep tear, and since then, I have been unable to control my urine and stool. They leak without me knowing. I also suffer from repeated infections and a bad smell that has made me feel ashamed and afraid to be around other people. During this difficult time, my two babies also passed away. I tried to return to school because I wanted to continue learning and have a better future. But sitting in class became very difficult. I was afraid that other students would notice the smell or see the leakage. I felt embarrassed and sometimes wanted to hide from everyone. Eventually, my headteacher sent me home to seek treatment. Today, I am at home, unable to continue with my education. My mother is doing everything she can to take care of us. She works and sells drinks in the jua kali market, but the little profit she gets is only enough to help us get food and survive. I am 14 years old. I have already lost my father, my home, and my babies, and now I am afraid of losing my education and my future too. I am kindly asking for help so that I can receive the treatment I need. I want to be healthy again, return to school, sit with other children without fear, and have a chance to achieve my dreams. Please help me. Your support could give me back my health, my education, and hope for my future.
