When I arrived at the hospital, I was in severe pain. They did some tests, and then scheduled me for an operation. Afterwards, a team of doctors did another check with the ultrasound and told me that surgery wouldn’t be necessary. Instead, they recommended treatment with medication. Since I started the medicine, I haven’t felt any pain at all.” - Layla*
This year, in response to the growing general surgery program at FAME, and with the support of some of our incredible FAME family members and FAME volunteers, we were able to purchase an ultrasound machine to be dedicated entirely to the operating theater. This additional machine has profoundly impacted our ability to care for our surgical patients. The state-of-the-art equipment available throughout the hospital enables our team of doctors to better assess each case and, through panel discussions, determine the most suitable interventions for our patients.
“I am very grateful to the doctors at FAME—especially because they helped me get better without the need for an operation. I encourage others who are ill to come to FAME. The hospital is great, and the doctors are kind and caring. I know some people worry about high costs, but the fees are reasonable, and not expensive like people think. Just come.” - Layla
When asked what care and support mean to her, Layla responded, “I believe care and support means receiving timely help from the doctor. If you have a problem and explain it, the doctor reassures you, and makes you feel better.”
When I first fell ill, it was very unsettling. One day, my right leg just stopped working—it felt like it was asleep, and I couldn’t walk on it at all. I went to a hospital near my hometown in Babati, where they ran several tests but couldn’t find the problem. They gave me medication and sent me home, but my condition didn’t improve.
Eventually, someone recommended I visit FAME Hospital. When I arrived, the doctors wasted no time and immediately began running tests. The next day, I returned to hear the results. They explained that my right leg was paralyzed due to an issue on the left side of my brain. I was both shocked and amazed.
Soon after, I underwent surgery at FAME. I don’t remember much of the operation itself—I was unconscious—but I woke up two days later and began doing small exercises under the guidance of the medical team. That was when I first realized I could stand upright again. I had thought I might never recover, but the care and attention I received at FAME made all the difference.
Before, I used to walk hunched over, with someone supporting me on one side and a cane in the other hand. Now, I can walk upright again without a cane. The surgery scar on my head has also healed. I’m incredibly grateful to the doctors and nurses who helped me through this illness.
I really never thought I would recover, so when I saw a FAME staff member walking around campus with a camera, I felt compelled to ask if I could share my story. I want people not to lose hope and to know that if I could recover, so can they.
Sid*, a FAME patient
Sid* arrived at FAME with a rare and life-threatening infection. By the time he reached the hospital, the infection had advanced significantly, causing unbearable pain and emotional distress.
“I first went to a hospital near my hometown, but they told me they couldn’t treat me and referred me to FAME. At that point, my wounds were so painful and uncomfortable that I couldn’t really have a social life. I felt embarrassed to sit next to others…it almost brought me to tears.” – Sid
FAME’s medical team cleared the infection and provide the specialized care he needed to begin to return to his normal life.
At FAME, we see countless examples of fathers like John who go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their families. These fathers are pillars of strength, providing unwavering support through thick and thin. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the impact that a dedicated and loving father can have on a family’s health and happiness.
Sid's smile has become familiar around the FAME campus, as he still comes to FAME weekly for wound care. Although Sid's health is improving, the last few months have been difficult due to the mounting expenses, which can still be a challenge even within the context of FAME's highly subsidized rates. Sid's story touched the FAME staff and prompted the social work team to develop a plan that ensures Sid can continue receiving life-saving treatment for his wound, free of charge.
“I believe that helping someone who cannot afford treatment isn’t just about waving a fee or donating—it’s about making a meaningful difference in our community.” – Angel, FAME Social Worker
For John*, supporting his wife through her pregnancy journey has been a deeply cherished responsibility and a source of immense pride. As a father of four, John has made it a priority to accompany his wife to every clinic visit at FAME during all her pregnancies. His commitment is more than just his presence; it is about being actively involved and emotionally supportive, ensuring that he is there for every step of the journey.
John’s greatest wish has always been to be present in the delivery room, sharing in the moment of birth alongside his wife. "I have always wished to be a present father for my kids, from conception until they grow old," John shares. "Whenever I come with my wife to the clinics, I learn a lot from the tests and the education provided by the nurses here at FAME. From taking care of my wife during her pregnancy and also the babies once they are born. Attending antenatal and postnatal clinics with her has made me a better father and husband.”
John's story is a testament to the transformative power of involvement and education. Through his active participation, he has not only supported his wife but has also grown as a father and partner. "All thanks to the team here at FAME, I am a happy father because of their relentless effort to give quality care and education," he says with gratitude.
At FAME, we see countless examples of fathers like John who go above and beyond to ensure the well-being of their families. These fathers are pillars of strength, providing unwavering support through thick and thin. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the impact that a dedicated and loving father can have on a family’s health and happiness.
Juma* has been bringing patients to FAME for close to a decade now. He drives these patients in his car from Mto wa Mbu, a distance of about 28 miles. “I used to come here when the hospital had only the outpatient clinic. None of these buildings you see here had been built then.”
Juma adds that his love for FAME was birthed by the quality services he has always received from FAME. “The services at FAME are so good. The doctors and nurses here are very kind. How they receive you, care for you and talk to you has always captured my heart. For them, it's patient service first and not money.”
In the community where he comes from, as with many other communities in FAME's catchment area, access to quality healthcare has always been challenging. This is partly due to poverty levels as well as poorly resourced health facilities. “Whenever someone within my community needs medical attention due to various conditions, they bring them to me. The numbers have been growing because they keep telling each other that if you go to Juma, he will take you to the hospital. And it has also built a community of responsibility because when someone ill is brought to me and I bring them to FAME, if they struggle to pay their hospital bills, we collaborate.”
However, Juma's sacrifice to his community has not been without challenges. “The main challenge I face is finance, because I have to share the little I have with the community. Sometimes I get patients at a time when I am unable to fuel the car to bring them to FAME,” Juma recalls.
During one of his visits, Juma began feeling ill while waiting for the patients he had brought to be treated. “I was diagnosed with diabetes and was admitted for almost a week. I received the best care. I was given a team that advised me on how to change my lifestyle, including my diet. My health has since improved. I have also been disciplined in taking my medication and attending clinic checkups.”
Juma says that with the kind of awareness, knowledge and education he got from the team at FAME about his diabetes, he has become a diabetes health champion within his community. “I have met people in my community with diabetes, and I have been sharing the knowledge I learned at FAME with them and giving them hope. I use myself as an example, and they wonder how I am very healthy and active with my condition. I encourage them to be disciplined with medication, diet and lifestyle, and they can lead healthy lives.”
Despite the personal health challenges and those encountered in his community, Juma says he is determined to continue helping patients access healthcare because he feels it's his purpose. “Whenever I bring a patient to FAME and they get healed, I feel so happy and fulfilled.”
“Given a chance, I would still choose what I am doing to be my service to the community. I thank God because even my wife has the same heart. As a family, I believe it is our purpose here, and it gives us joy.”