As a young woman, Segereda arrived at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital with a horrific obstetric fistula injury.
She was welcomed and treated by Drs Reg and Catherine Hamlin and stayed on at the hospital as one of their earliest staff members.
Twenty-five years ago, during her visit to the hospital, best-selling author and motivational speaker Sam Bloom met Segereda. They reconnected on Christmas Day last year when Sam returned to the hospital with her family. Cameron Bloom, a photographer and Sam’s husband, captured this special moment!
Today, Segereda is retired and lives with other retired staff members in a specially-made house on the hospital grounds.
She tells us what life at the hospital has meant to her: “I am very happy to live and work in this hospital. I love to work in the operating room. Seeing the patients cured means a lot to me.
“I also received treatment and care from this loving staff. I proudly praise Abaye (Father, Reg) and Emaye (Mother, Catherine) for their dedication to supporting us.
“After I left my home in search of treatment, Abaye and Emaye became my family. They raised me and gave me this opportunity.”
“Emaye is the most caring mother I ever had. I miss her so much. I believe that she is watching from heaven. She has a good heart.” – Segereda
