Day 5

Hello friends, family, and newcomers. Welcome to or welcome back to my blog where I am documenting the process leading up to and during my first humanitarian mission to Eldoret, Kenya.

Today is Thursday April 3rd, and it was our first visit to Gynocare. We started the day with breakfast at the hotel, where I enjoyed hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and oatmeal topped with bananas and honey. Everyone wore their white polo shirts featuring the hospital logo on the front and "Campaign 52 2025" on the back. Each of us received a polo as a gift from Dr. Hillary Mabeya, the CEO of GynoCare, and his wife, Dr. Carolyne Mabeya. It was a special gesture, and wearing them throughout the day felt meaningful. Before heading to the hospital, we gathered downstairs for a group photo in front of the hotel. We then boarded the van, and my excitement was sky-high as we finally set off to the hospital I had been eager to visit for the past 140 days. Arriving in the parking lot stirred a multitude of emotions in me.

We were welcomed by dancers, music, and singing. We all walked in a ceremonial line, hand in hand with a partner as we danced. Being immersed in their culture and embraced with such warmth and kindness almost brought me to tears. The grand opening ceremony showcased the incredible work of Gynocare and Dr. Mabeya for the women of Africa, celebrating and honoring those who have been healed and those awaiting life-changing surgery. The entire experience was breathtaking and deeply moving. We listened to speeches from several Gynocare members, Dr. Abbas, and two women who shared their stories as they are awaiting their procedures this week. We enjoyed performances by the Beyond Fistula choir and the Gynocare staff choir, whose music was touching and voices radiant. We were invited to join several dances, learning the steps as we went. We danced in a large circle, laughing, smiling, and singing with our group. We were adorned in their beautiful traditional dress and headwear. The emotions I experienced were indescribable; I felt truly happy. Happy to be there, happy to be surrounded by such wonderful people, and happy to begin the work we were about to start. Bringing everyone together in this way was a fantastic way to kick off the week ahead.

After the ceremony, we all moved to the conference room where we had lunch together. I enjoyed white rice, chicken, cabbage, and water. The hospital cooks were truly exceptional and deserve a lot of appreciation. They not only provide meals for the women staying here but also nourish our entire staff, helping us stay energized and strong. Once we finished eating, Anastasia, Karim, Becci, and I sorted through all the luggage, organized it into boxes, and set aside the empty suitcases. This task was very satisfying. It was wonderful to see all the contributions and donations brought together in a place that needs them much more than any of our facilities. People came together to make this happen, and it was truly inspiring. It took us several hours to unpack and organize, and while there's still more organizing to do, this is just the beginning, and it feels great.

Last year, the hallway leading to the operating rooms earned the name "Hallway of Miracles" as the final cases were completed, and attendees gathered for the closing ceremony. Today, we celebrated this by unveiling a plaque labeled "Hallway of Miracles," which Becci and I read aloud to everyone present. We then signed our names on the left side of the wall, while the right side was reserved for future patients. A mirror will be installed there so that patients can see themselves before undergoing life-changing surgery and find hope in what lies ahead. This event was incredibly special, and having my name on that wall alongside everyone else is an eternal honor.

Another exciting event took place today: we successfully opened the first two colposcopy rooms in the hospital. This new service will be available to patients at Gynocare and will be a significant asset for them. It will enable the screening of women and provide them with the necessary treatment. HPV and cervical cancer are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, despite being preventable. This is why we initiated our immunization programs and are taking additional measures to ensure women do not die from untreated or undetected cervical cancer. Dr. Virginia, who played a key role in organizing this effort and securing the supplies, was thrilled to witness this achievement alongside the rest of the staff and the CEO of Gynocare. Additionally, a laparoscopic tower was installed, allowing surgeons to perform laparoscopic surgeries. These surgeries are conducted through small incisions in the abdomen instead of a large open incision down the midline. Although not every case can be handled laparoscopically, for those that can, it offers substantial benefits.

To conclude the first day, we compiled a list of patients currently in the ward and gathered in the conference room to discuss them. In previous posts, I mentioned that we operate three ORs during the campaign, which is 1-2 more than usual. We decided there would be three rooms: a gynecology room, a urology room, and a colorectal surgery room. This setup may change as we progress, but for the first day, this was our plan. We determined which patients would undergo surgery, assigned the rooms, and designated roles. We have two colposcopy rooms, staff covering the wards (where patients wait before surgery and recover afterward), and the three operating rooms. Our guiding principles are flexibility, safety, and trust. This was established knowing that we are a team of international surgeons, nurses, IT staff, students, administration, etc., meeting for the first time. We must trust each other, remain flexible, and prioritize the safety of patients and ourselves. It's truly remarkable how quickly the group adapts and collaborates effectively.

After returning to the hotel, we had dinner and prepared for bed. Although the first day was busy, the work is just starting. There's a lot ahead, and I feel privileged to be part of this journey. See you tomorrow :)

All Love,

Meg