Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women who shaped us—those who lifted us up, loved us fiercely, and sacrificed so much to give us a better life.
We asked members of our community to share what they love most about their mothers, and the responses were a moving reminder of just how deeply a mother’s love leaves its mark.
Here are just a few reflections that touched our hearts:
“My mother taught me that a woman can be both deeply nurturing and fiercely independent. Growing up in a society shaped by tradition and deep cultural values, she gently but firmly instilled in me the power of self-reliance and the importance of standing tall. Now, as a mother myself, I see her with new eyes—and admire her more deeply than words can ever express.”—Kee Rajagopal, senior program manager, Fistula Foundation
Kee Rajagopal (left) with her mother.
“My mom was my inspiration and role model. She amazingly balanced her career and her role as a mother. I didn’t realize how she had toiled to balance it all until I had my own kids. Even now, when I am so grown up, she always treats me like her princess!”—Ramya N, a Fistula Foundation supporter
“She [my mother] was very special because she lived her whole life giving out what she had, to us her children, and supporting our extended family and people she came across in the neighborhood and the church. … I am still trying hard to take after her character, but not sure if I would ever be able to. I miss her too much, especially now that she is gone!”—Dr. Fekade Ayenachew, a fistula surgeon from Ethiopia
Dr. Fekade Ayenachew (left) and his mother.
“My mom is my rock. She is selfless, resilient, outspoken, and forgiving. She has made endless sacrifices to provide me with a better life and I often wonder how I could ever repay her for all that she’s done. My mom is my world and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for her.”—Alyssa Vu, senior donor relations associate, Fistula Foundation
Alyssa Vu (right) and her mother.
“My mom is the most extraordinarily generous, selfless, and kindhearted person I know. For over 20 years, she put my dad’s wellbeing above all else, caring for him throughout his long battle with Parkinson’s. Her patience and resilience over those years were nothing short of remarkable. … I’m so grateful to have such a strong, loving, and beautiful woman as my mom.”—Lindsey Pollaczek, chief partnerships officer, Fistula Foundation
Lindsey Pollaczek (right) and her mother.
“My mother raised me during the civil war in Mogadishu in 1991, a time of complete destruction and uncertainty. … Her strength, sacrifice, and love gave me the foundation to become who I am today. No words can truly capture the depth of what she endured for us.”—Dr. Abdirisak (Abdi) Hassan Artan, a fistula surgeon from Somalia
“My mom passed away when I was 9. She was a white woman from Brooklyn raising a Black daughter in Honolulu, HI. Although I lost her young, my mom instilled love, worth, passion and resistance in me, that has carried me through the ups and downs of life. As I reflect on her journey, I recognize that she was fearless and determined to establish a better life for me. … Fifty years later, as I raise my own daughter, I’m so grateful to share the courageous stories of who her grandma was. As I say to my ten year old, ‘grandma Sondra was a baaaad mamajama, that’s the stock you come from.’ Thanks mom. I know I can, because of you.”—Gardenia E, a Fistula Foundation supporter
Gardenia (left) with her mother.
“I have so much admiration for my mom, Lois Grant. … She was a force of nature, always giving her time and talents to help other people thrive, playing an indelible role in my son Bobby’s life. My book, No Woman Left Behind, is dedicated to Bobby and to my mom and my dad, since I will always stand on their shoulders.”—Kate Grant, CEO, Fistula Foundation
“My mom is the light in my life—my mentor, my teacher, and my best friend. Everything I’ve achieved is a result of her unwavering dedication, endless motivation, and countless sacrifices. … Though we are miles apart, she’s always with me—in my heart, my thoughts, in everything I do. Words will never be enough to express how much she means to me. I love you so much, mom!”—Suntali Giri Dhanju, donor relations associate, Fistula Foundation
Suntali Giri Dhanju (right) and her mother.
“One of the things I love most about my mom is her deeply generous spirit. She has a way of lifting others up—always offering her time, energy, and care without hesitation. … She gives so much of herself, and she does it with such quiet grace.”—Lara Veldman, program associate, Fistula Foundation
Lara Veldman (center) with her grandmother (left) and mother (right).
“My mom passed away suddenly a month ago. She was an anchor and a beacon in my life.”—Greg S., a Fistula Foundation supporter
“My mom was full of life; her laughter could be heard across the hills in the village. She raised 10 of us with love, discipline and gratitude. We are all successful in our lives because she was warm, kind and tough. I love my mom, may she rest in peace.”—Dr. Esther Njoroge-Murithi, chief program officer, Fistula Foundation
Dr. Esther Njoroge-Murithi (left) with her mother.
“My mom has the tenderest heart and loves with fierce generosity, always giving more than she has. She has strength forged through decades of hardship, through which she remained selfless and full of grace. As she’s grown older, her light shines even brighter, and I feel closer to her than ever. I’m so lucky to have her as an example of strength, love, and grace, guiding me through the chapters of my own life.”—Hannah Garone, director of philanthropy, Fistula Foundation
Hannah Garone (right) with her mother.
“My mom is my adventure buddy, my confidant, and my role model. There is no one in this world that I trust more to guide me through the darkest moments of life and no one I would rather celebrate the brightest moments with. I am truly blessed to have such an incredible woman as my mother.”—Katie Nerod, communications associate, Fistula Foundation
Katie Nerod (left) with her mother.
“My mom is simply my best friend. She is the strongest person I know and has always modeled amazing resiliency and integrity in both her personal and professional life. I can’t think of someone I admire more. She finds the joy and love in every situation. I’m so grateful for her deep drive to advocate for others, and her compassion, intelligence, and humor.”—Jaya Patten, philanthropy associate, Fistula Foundation
Jaya Patten (left) with her mother.
The mother figures in our lives have had a transformative impact on our lives.
Together, we can honor the love we’ve received from them by helping another woman find her way back to life, joy, and healing. Together, we can love a sister.
Through Mother’s Day (this Sunday) , gifts will be MATCHED—up to a total of $200,000—to help provide life-transforming surgeries for mothers, sisters, daughters, and aunties across Africa and Asia.
Send love to a woman who is still waiting for healing. Help give her the chance to embrace life again—and help us ensure that no woman is left behind.
Published May 5, 2025