Two Central Coast surgeons are teaming up in support of impoverished African women who suffer from debilitating obstetric fistulas.
Obstetric missionary surgeon, Dr Andrew Browning, and retired ophthalmologist, Dr Phil Hayes, will hold a fundraiser on the Coast later this month.
“For more than 20 years I have been privileged to operate on more than 7000 women living with obstetric fistulas in Africa and other places,” Browning said.
“Obstetric fistula, or internal tearing or holes, result from obstructed childbirth where a doctor is not available to perform a caesarean section.
“This is unheard of in Australia but with more than two million women in Africa suffering with this debilitating and isolating condition it is quite common.
“The Barbara May Foundation provides fistula repair and prevention through good maternal healthcare at no cost – simply because people donate money to help operate our hospitals across Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
“I lived and operated in Africa for 17 years and now travel from Copacabana to Africa four-five times a year to continue operating on the women.”
Browning will share his first-hand experiences in Africa at the event and will also be available to sign his book A Doctor in Africa.
All profits go to the healthcare of women in Africa through the Barbara May Foundation.
MC for the afternoon will be local retired eye surgeon Phil Hayes, who will be joined by renowned international contemporary artist Neale Joseph who has donated two paintings to be auctioned.
“We are most thankful to Kim’s Beachside Retreat who are donating a night for two in a luxury bungalow, with three-course dinner and breakfast, overlooking beautiful Toowoon Bay,” Browning said.
“There will be many other great prizes including a Ken Duncan print,” Dr Browning said.
The fundraiser will be held in the Sunsets Bistro in the Avoca Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Sunday, September 18.
It will be a sit-down lunch between 1pm and 4pm.
Bookings can be made at $50 a head at trybooking.com/CAXNC.
More information can be found at barbaramayfoundation.com or on Facebook.
Source:
Media release, Sep 1
Dr Andrew Browning