Leaving a Legacy

A simple and effective way to ensure a fistula-free future for Ethiopian women

Naming 'Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation Fund' in your Will is a simple, powerful and flexible way to make an enduring commitment to Ethiopian women. A gift in your Will - or living trust – will transform the lives of future generations of women through the prevention and treatment of devastating childbirth injuries in Ethiopia. It is a thoughtful way to leave a lasting legacy that reflects your life’s values.

A gift in your Will often allows you to make a bigger impact than you ever thought possible. Whether large or small, your gift will ensure sustainable funding for our life-changing work - and it is greatly appreciated. 

Here’s how your planned gift could help Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia into the future.

• $50,000 could restore the lives and dignity of 100 women through standard fistula surgery
• $21,500 could provide 60 recovering fistula patients with life skills and vocational training 
• $65,000 could fund 5 Midwifery scholarships for students at the Hamlin College of Midwives

Why Jane has left a gift in her Will

Jane, a long-term supporter, chose to include a gift in her Will to ensure women suffering from fistula injuries can continue to receive life-changing treatment and support.

“I suffered from a painful gynaecological condition myself years ago, which was cured by surgery. I was lucky to have access to doctors, surgeons and medical care. When I read about how these women in Ethiopia suffered with obstetric fistula, I could identify with their plight and wanted to assist them,” Jane explains.

Jane is ensuring her contribution towards ending fistula continues for generations to come by leaving a gift in her Will.

“I intend to continue my support with a gift in my Will. I have spoken to my family about what I am doing and they are very supportive,” says Jane.

How to leave a legacy gift

You can bequeath a specific dollar amount, property to be sold or a percentage of your residual estate. Your estate will receive an estate tax charitable deduction for the amount of the gift from KBFUS.

KBFUS can provide you with sample language to include in your last Will and testament to make a charitable bequest to your existing legacy fund or to establish a new legacy fund at KBFUS.

If you are based in the US or Canada and are interested in leaving a bequest to Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation or would like more information, please email [email protected].

Please also email us if you have already named Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation Fund in your Will. By letting us know, we can thank you, record your planned gift and ensure you receive regular updates about the programs your gift will support.

Your gift can help women like Saliati

Saliati grew up in a remote village, where misconceptions about medical care had made the community wary of maternal health services. As a result, she endured an obstructed labor without help and needlessly suffered from a debilitating obstetric fistula injury. For seven long years, Saliati live in shame and pain, hidden from her community. 

Earlier this year, Saliati was found by a Hamlin Patient Identification Officer and taken to the closest Hamlin fistula hospital. At Hamlin, Saliati received life-saving treatment and holistic care – her health and dignity restored! This work is only possible thanks to people like you.

Email for more infomation

“Bequests help to ensure that future generations of Ethiopian women and girls who suffer   the debilitating effects of obstetric fistula will receive the treatment they need.  Thank you for considering Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation in your Will.”

Dr Catherine Hamlin