Astou

 

Astou’s story has shadows of pain but ends with great joy. When Astou was only 20 years old, she tragically lost her son during childbirth. While struggling with the pain of loss, Astou discovered another heartbreaking reality: the trauma of her strenuous and prolonged labor led to the development of an obstetric fistula, leaving her incontinent. What followed was 20 years of living with an injury that caused continual embarrassment and shame.

Loss and heartache continued for Astou. Soon after the stillbirth, her first husband left her due to her condition. She then lost her job and was forced to move back in with her parents. Astou’s story is not uncommon in the areas we serve. In fact, an estimated two million girls and women live with obstetric fistula in Africa. Many are shunned and abandoned by their communities because they’re often perceived as unclean.     Though Astou felt shame for her condition and the way it made her live, she was blessed by her family, who continued to stand by her side. That support even led to a new love.     During a family event, she met Mamadou, who asked her to marry him. Astou immediately told him about her condition, expecting him to change his mind, but instead, Mamadou made an oath: “It won’t stop me from marrying you and doing everything I can to get you help.”    After their wedding, Mamadou kept his promise and started saving up to take her to a hospital. A local doctor confirmed her condition was treatable — but it would require surgery, something the couple had no way of affording.     So, the newlyweds waited and hoped. Despite her condition, Astou became pregnant and soon the couple welcomed a new member to their small family — their daughter.   Unfortunately, during this time of waiting, another shadow began to weigh on Astou. A small goiter began to grow on her neck. While Mamadou and Astou worried that this new condition could cause trouble for her future, they still lacked the resources to find healing.  Ten years after the goiter was discovered, hope arrived. Astou and Mamadou heard that Mercy Ships was coming to Senegal to offer free surgeries. The couple went for an appointment, at first only seeking treatment for the goiter but while on board, Mamadou decided to take a leap of faith. He asked whether Astou could receive surgery for the obstetric fistula as well.

For them, the news was a miracle: ​​​​​​After 20 years of burden, Astou would receive surgery — for both conditions! “After the surgery, when I looked at myself, I felt that I was not like before,” marveled Astou. “I can’t wait to go back home to my family feeling healthy.” Mamadou is also thrilled with his wife’s transformation, knowing that her healing runs deeper than the physical.

“Since she has been treated, she is free and happy,” he shared. “She can go out and welcome whomever she wants at home with happiness and joy.”