In the News

Chicago Event In May Features Good Cause

April 25, 2018

Chicago — When Dr. Itengré Ouédraogo first proposed maternal health organization Worldwide Fistula Fund (WFF) launch services in Burkina Faso, no one imagined the nonprofit would celebrate the success at An Evening to Restore Dignity on May 17 at Barrio Chicago.

The only topics on everyone’s minds were the excitement of reaching women in one of the poorest countries in the world and that WFF’s longtime Chief Medical Officer in Niger, Dr. Ouédraogo, wouldn’t be going home alone. WFF was going to Burkina Faso with him.

WFF treats and empowers women and girls who have suffered childbirth injuries such as obstetric fistula, which leaves them leaking urine or feces constantly.

The injury can be treated with surgery. WFF also provides survivors – most of whom live in poverty – with vocational skills training to help them earn incomes and restore their lives. The average Ugandan woman suffers from obstetric fistula for 10 years before receiving treatment. Reliable statistics on the prevalence of obstetric fistula in Burkina Faso are not available, but WFF believes it can make a significant impact in the lives of the Burkinabe.

WFF launched services in Burkina Faso in November and provided 20 women with life-changing surgery and empowerment training.

In May, Dr. Ouédraogo will fly to Chicago to celebrate this success and share program updates. He is currently working with WFF Founder Dr. Lewis Wall to refine and develop services in the country.

Dr. Wall will also attend the fundraiser to speak about Burkina Faso and his new book, “Tears for My Sisters: The Tragedy of Obstetric Fistula.”

WFF hopes to raise $10,000 to support its programs in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger and Uganda at the third annual An Evening to Restore Dignity.

The event will take place May 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Barrio Chicago. Tickets are $45 before May 1, $50 after, and available on WFF’s website. Guests will enjoy signature margaritas, an unlimited churro bar and passed hors d’oeuvres from a kitchen helmed by “Top Chef” alum Chef Katsuji Tanabe. There will also be live music and raffle drawings with prizes from area businesses such as the Field Museum, Top Golf and City Winery.

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