As a longstanding member of the Grace Klein Community I have worked (and at times lived) in various parts of Africa for more than a decade. During those years of service I have been privileged to work with some remarkable local physicians dedicated to serving those on the fringes of society. My dear friend, Kenyan OBGYN Hillary Mabeya, is one of those bright lights who works tirelessly to provide gynecological procedures to women who could not otherwise afford care. Dr. Mabeya’s mission is to identify (and operate on) women with a debilitating and stigmatizing condition known as obstetric fistula, which renders women incontinent after prolonged obstructed labor. I spent the summer of 2017 working with Dr. Mabeya and his team at Gynocare where I witnessed firsthand how impactful these procedures can be for women who have suffered endlessly.

Dr. Mabeya’s team has a remarkable cure rate; however, at times the extent of some women’s injuries are so vast that fistula repair becomes an impossibility. In these rare cases a more complex and costly procedure (urinary diversion) is required to restore continence and a woman’s dignity. We have recently identified a group of 15 Kenyan women who have fallen through the cracks of the maternal health system, and who share this complicated condition not covered by other medical NGO’s. This group of women has endured years of suffering, shame, and isolation as a result of their condition and we are compelled to intervene on their behalf.

Dr. Mabeya, Claud Crosby, and the Gynocare Surgical Team

Therefore, I hope you will consider contributing to this very meaningful Grace Klein Community cause and help us raise $15,000 to cover the surgeries and subsequent post-operative care for all 15 women. As the holidays approach and your family, church, school, or business considers meaningful ways to give back, please considering partnering with us to make 2018 a transformative year for 15 women and their families.

Financial contributions can be given in one of three ways:

• Click on the “Make a Difference” button below to give online.
• Alternatively, click the “Donate now” button to the right of the screen to give online. Be sure to select “Kenya – Gynecological Procedures” under the designation section.
• Check donations can be mailed to Grace Klein Community, 1678 Montgomery Hwy #104, Birmingham, AL 35216. Please include “Kenya – Gynecological Procedures” in the memo line.

7/31/2019 update on funds raised to date: $15,000

“$15,000 raised and 15 Kenyan women have received a fistula repair medical surgery from Dr. Hillary Mabeya and the Gynocare team. The stigmatizing condition, known as obstetric fistula, which renders women incontinent after prolonged obstructed labor,  leaves a group of women to endure years of suffering, shame and isolation. 15 of these women received successful surgeries thanks to participation of community donors in our commitment to serve those on the fringes of society. Love matters to the one.” – 7/31/2019

*All donations, relative to this project, which exceed our financial goal above, will support nursing education for former patients of this project.

Gratefully yours,

Claud Crosby and members of the Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2020