It Takes a Village

Hello friends, family, and newcomers. Just 34 days remain until I arrive in Africa. Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it myself. Today, I want to explore all the behind-the-scenes efforts required to make a trip like this happen, because there's a lot.

When I initially joined the campaign, I wasn't aware of all the elements involved. December marked my first meeting with the entire team, and we immediately got to work. Our mission involves not only providing free surgeries for these women but also equipping the hospital with updated, useful tools and equipment that can be used long after our departure. Reflecting on the time, money, and resources invested in securing this equipment amazes me. We have gotten updated towers for colposcopies, cystoscopy equipment, medical tables to perform these procedures on, bovie equipment, ostomy supplies, and so much more. Some spent entire days at conferences engaging with companies, others reached out to facilities or companies to supply what we need in the required quantities, and some tapped into resources within their own facilities. Being the first nurse on the campaign, I knew I could offer a unique perspective. I realized I needed to leverage my nursing skills and personal experiences to find resources that would aid patients in their recovery and beyond.

Seeking to offer a unique perspective, I turned to social media to connect with people I've met over time. Here's a bit of background: I've been dealing with endometriosis for over a decade. Growing up and becoming an adult, I didn't know anyone nearby experiencing something similar. Social media has played a crucial role in helping me find a community and connect with others facing chronic illness. One day, I discovered the profile DISTAAYBLED, run by a young woman named Tayler, who shares her story and educates others about chronic illnesses, creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and heard. Tayler not only established this wonderful community, but she also has an ostomy and started a business handcrafting ostomy covers. We connected one day, and I mentioned that I was a colorectal surgery nurse and admired her work. When she learned I was going to Kenya, she immediately asked how she could help. Her actions touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. Tayler sent us nearly two dozen handmade ostomy covers for the women at GynoCare Women's and Fistula Hospital. She also wrote a letter in their language, introducing herself, sharing her story, and providing resources for the women. What truly amazed me was that Tayler knew about the rehabilitation center's efforts to reintegrate women into society through trade skills. So she created a YouTube video with instructions on how to make ostomy covers, enabling them to craft their own at the rehabilitation center. Her kindness, generosity, and dedication to this care package are deeply appreciated. Her compassion will impact countless lives, and I'm excited to share her incredible work with others. Living with an ostomy can be extremely challenging due to societal stigma and feelings of embarrassment or shame. These covers can hopefully boost confidence and help individuals view their ostomy more positively. For those unfamiliar with ostomies, it's a surgically created opening in the abdomen where a section of the bowel is brought to the surface, allowing waste to exit the body; individuals with ostomies do not pass stool through the anus but instead through the intestines into a pouch. Thank you so much, Tayler.

Tayler getting the care package together. Sent from Oregon to Ohio. Next stop Kenya.

It takes a village to make this all work. From those that are directly involved in the campaign, to those that are helping us to ship our supplies from around the world, to people like Tayler stepping in to provide supplies out of the kindness of their hearts. Without these people, what we do when we are there would not be possible.

In my previous post, I mentioned that the campaign is a multinational effort, with surgeons from all over the world participating. However, I didn't go into detail about the various roles involved once we arrive. There are anesthesiologists to provide anesthesia for surgeries. Surgical specialists and gynecologists will carry out colposcopies, laparoscopic procedures, cystoscopies, and screenings for fistulas, as well as surgical interventions for fistulas. Specialists will perform HPV screenings and offer immunizations for women and young girls. Administrative support includes individuals responsible for field awareness, facility organization, welfare, and logistics. An IT team ensures our equipment stays operational and resolves any issues that may occur. Social workers and counselors are available to help patients with life after surgery. Nursing services are also provided. While these elements are standard in our health systems in America, this is not the case in Africa. They often operate with minimal staff, only able to run one to two operating rooms at a time. The way Campaign 52 and GynoCare have assembled such a team is truly remarkable.

There is not a day that goes by where I do not feel blessed to be apart of this organization and working alongside all of these amazing individuals to do something so life altering. Not only has the campaign provided me with the opportunity to go on my first humanitarian mission but I have been able to make such amazing connections with other people through conversation about going. I know that this is only the beginning and the real work and every emotion is yet to come. However, I am trying to soak in and enjoy every little bit leadig up to these days because I NEVER want to forget this. There is no possible way to put into words how truly amazing and wonderful and inspiring my colleaugues are or how grateful I feel.

All Love,

Meg