Paula lives in Colorado and spent the latter half of her 40-year nursing career as a board-certified ostomy nurse. When she first heard about Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation nearly ten years ago, she knew it was something she wanted to be part of. She recalls:
“I listened to a speaker at a national nursing conference and I just thought, oh my gosh, this is something I want to do when I retire. [Later] when I heard about the Hamlin Ethiopian Adventure trip, I thought this is it. I can go over and see exactly what's going on, learn and bring back information.”
The Hamlin Ethiopian Adventure runs twice a year in March and November and gives participants a unique opportunity to see firsthand the incredible work started by Dr Catherine Hamlin to restore women’s lives after traumatic childbirth injuries.
Adventurers meet Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s dedicated staff and brave patients at Hamlin’s iconic Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital. They also visit the Hamlin College of Midwives and Desta Mender rehabilitation and reintegration centre, as well as Yirgalem regional fistula hospital and two rural Hamlin-supported midwifery clinics.
No trip would be complete without traveling to southern Ethiopia to witness the diverse tribal groups in the south of this enchanting country.
Overcoming the fear of fundraising
Paula knew she wouldn’t be using her nursing skills on the trip but she saw an opportunity to contribute in another meaningful way — through fundraising.
She admits she was intimidated at first. “I thought, I’m not good at asking people for money!” Paula laughs. But with the help of her children, she learned to use Hamlin’s online fundraising platform, crafted a heartfelt letter and started reaching out to friends and colleagues across the United States asking for their support.
Paula sent out 65 letters, unsure what to expect. Incredibly, within two weeks, she had met her fundraising goal!
“I was amazed, absolutely amazed at the response. Out of the 60-some letters I sent, 56 people responded with donations. I was just so, so happy.” – Paula, Hamlin Ethiopian Adventurer
Encouraged, Paula increased her fundraising goal twice. When some friends hadn’t responded, she sent a gentle reminder to those who had said they wanted to contribute - and they did!
Paula closed her campaign at an incredible $6,000. She attributes her fundraising success to her passion for the cause.
“I just wrote the letter with my heart. People donated because they know how passionate I am. They also recognise that no woman should have to live in isolation due to a childbirth injury.” - Paula
Visiting Ethiopia and sharing the message
As Paula prepares for her journey to Ethiopia in November 2025, she’s eager to see Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia’s work firsthand and to bring her stories home. She told us:
“I plan to share what I learn with other nurses, senior groups and community members. People need to know this is still happening in the world today and that we can help, no matter how big or small the contribution.”
Paula’s passion, persistence and belief in the mission of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia inspired her friends and family to donate. Thank you for your efforts, Paula!
Click here to learn more about the Hamlin Ethiopian Adventures.
Learn more about the many ways you can fundraise to help restore the health and dignity of Ethiopian women.
