Terri's Joy Climb Fundraiser

Family and Friends,

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to raise funds for a cause that is very dear to my heart -- the effort to end obstetric fistula in Ethiopia.  Obstetric fistula is a childbirth injury that occurs when women experience protracted obstructed labor.  The baby cannot pass through the birth canal, is often stillborn, and then the mother realizes the pressure from the baby's head has killed the tissue and caused a hole between her birth canal and urethra.  So this poor woman who has lost her baby, now has the indignity of having no control of her constantly leaking urine.  Many of these women are  poor, young (girls really), and small in stature due to undernutrition.  They often do not understand what has happened to them, and live isolated lives, feeling cursed by God.  There is a surgery that can repair obstetric fistula, and education about the need for professional attended childbirth can help avoid the condition altogether.  Healing Hands of Joy is a ministry to Fistula survivors, helping them turn their personal tragedies into assistance to other women as "Safe Motherhood Ambassadors."  

I am paying my own way to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, but would greatly appreciate your support to sponsor me.  All your funds will go to the ministry of Healing Hands of Joy.  No donation is too small and will be joyfully received.  This summer also marks Year 5 for me persoally as a breast cancer survivor, so although the hike will be challenging I am so grateful to be alive with a strong body, and want to use my health and energy for this great cause.

Thank you so much for encouraging and supporting me and Healing Hands of Joy!!

Love,

Terri