Dear Friends and Supporters,
As we approach this Holiday season and are so thankful for all of our blessings and good health the situation in Sierra Leone for the last several months has been very trying for these wonderful people. Despite all of the deaths and devastation from the horrific disease of Ebola our staff and their families have avoided contracting this disease so far.
I was informed yesterday of the death of Dr. Tom Rogers due to Ebola at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown. I first met Dr. Rogers at the Bo Government Hospital in November 2002 which was my first visit to Sierra Leone. I will never forget his enthusiasm when I first met him and his dedication to the patients as this was immediately after the war. He will be missed by all that knew him. His nephew Benjamin Rogers worked with us several years bringing patients to our hospital that he gathered from the bush.
Unfortunately the incidence of obstetrical fistula will be on the rise because the health care system has been saturated with Ebola cases. Because you have been so generous we have been able to continue supporting our staff there with salaries and helping them avoid unnecessary exposure to the virus. They are very loyal and ready to get to work hopefully when things settle down as we will be overloaded with cases of all types.
I wanted to give everyone an update to let you know the situation as it exists today and that we are eager to get back to Sierra Leone. Again we cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support during this time of crisis.
We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a very Prosperous New Year.
Sincerely,
Darius R. Maggi M.D.
West Africa Fistula Foundation
3621 Pottsboro Rd #150
Denison TX 75020