In a Fistula Survivor's Voice

Fistula Survivor’s Name:  Rebecca Kollie
Interview Date:  September 4, 2018
Interview Location:  Phebe Rehab Center, Bong County, Liberia
Interviewers:  Kathy Beth Stavinoha and Kathi Gutierrez
 
Rebecca Kollie is 45 years old.  She has had a fistula for 31 years.  She had one fistula repair surgery.  She is improved, but she is not dry.  “The pee pee is still coming.”  She needs another surgery. 
 
Rebecca was born in Phebe and lived in Gbarnga.  She has no one to help her.  She has no children.  She gave birth to one child but the child did not live.  She is alone.  Her mother is old now.  She has no husband.  No one.  She had six brothers but three died.  She has one brother but he is not around her.  He is the one who brought her to the Phebe Rehab Center.  She has a sister in Totota.  None of her relatives will help her.  Her family hated her. 
 
She got sick and was always wet.  She spent a lot of time washing clothes.  Every day.  For 31 years.     
 
She is learning pastry making.  She can bake bread and cake.  She can make doughnuts, cornbread, and shortbread.  Doughnuts are her favorite. 
 
Rebecca is “trying small small by the Grace of God.”  She is a fistula survivor.  Hear her story in her own voice.

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