The Comboni Sisters, Laura and Mary, have a dream for the people of Nzara.
I’m writing to you today to share the story of Joyce, a young woman in South Sudan whose experience as a mother demonstrates how important our mission to bring healthcare to the poor really is. Her story reminds us why we are called to put the needs of the poor first.
Joyce was suffering from a severe headache and dizziness when her husband brought her to St. Theresa Hospital in Nzara. Our staff quickly confirmed an advanced case of malaria and put Joyce on medication. Unfortunately, the disease had already impacted her pregnancy, and the baby was at risk. Without an operating room or equipment, an emergency C-section wasn’t an option. Both lives were at stake.
After three days of pain and fever, Joyce delivered her baby prematurely, in her seventh month. Fragile and tiny, Joyce's baby struggled to breathe. Without access to an incurbator or oxygen, he developed an upper respiratory tract infection. Even with antibiotics, he could not fight the infection. At just seven days old, Joyce's baby died. This is the second baby that Joyce has lost. We can't let her lose another.
“Joyce will recover, but we didn’t have the equipment needed for an emergency C-section or neonatal care for a premature baby. This is why the construction of a new surgical wing with an operating room, recovery ward, maternity ward, and a blood bank is so desperately needed to save lives at St. Theresa Hospital.”
-Sister Laura, hospital administrator
-Sister Laura, hospital administrator
Joyce sits at the grave of the second child she lost.This construction project has been the dream of Sister Laura for a long time. Access to expanded services at St. Theresa’s will mean the difference between life and death for women like Joyce. Sister Laura’s dream will soon be a reality and you can be a part of making it happen.
Your gift of $100, $200, $500, or any amount, can support this lifesaving expansion at St. Theresa's hospital, to help provide critical health infrastructure and equipment to mothers and children who desperately need them.
Sister Laura and women like Joyce are counting on faithful friends like you. Pope Francis reminds us that we must open our ears to the cries of the poor and commit ourselves to ending their suffering.
I ask you to please support this important opportunity to bring health, love, and dignity to women, children, and communities living in extreme poverty. The future of mission hospitals like St. Theresa’s – and the dream of Sister Laura – is in your hands.
DONATE NOW
DONATE NOW
With many thanks,
President and CEO
CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide
CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide
