Author developer

May your legacy live strong forever.

The world simply needs many more caring and tirelessly selfless souls such as Dr Hamlin. R.I.P

My son’s birth was long and traumatic and, after three days in labour, it ended in an emergency ceasarian. I could not help but think how fortunate I was to live in a first-world country with modern healthcare facilities. Had I lived elsewhere or in another time, I could have ended up with a fistula or died in birth, along with my son. Thank you Catherine for helping all those women who were not as fortunate as I was, and for working to educate the community and remove the stigma surrounding obstetric fistula. You have a heart of gold and your legacy will live on.

In love, you served and inspired us all. Your legacy and work will live on.

During the Thanksgiving holiday in 2014, I returned to Ethiopia for the second time within five months as an employee of Habitat for Humanity International’s Global Village program. Having arrived in-country early, I joined a few of my fellow Habitat volunteers on a private tour of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, with Dr. Catherine Hamlin having been recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. I vaguely remembered hearing about obstetric fistula previously; Dr. Hamlin had appeared on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show advocating for the global health concern, and Oprah subsequently visited the hospital in Addis Ababa herself. However, I didn’t truly grasp the gravity of the issue until that tour. I returned home that December and watched a documentary – A Walk to Beautiful – which followed young women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. I knew I was now part of the fight to eliminate obstetric fistula and that I would need to help raise more attention to the issue.

During the first year of my master’s, I returned to Ethiopia and spent seven months living in country and volunteering with a nonprofit that helped rehabilitate survivors to gain deeper insights on obstetric fistula for my capstone project.

Dr. Hamlin’s work influenced my academic and professional work. Photographs that I took of fistula survivors during that time have won awards.

But I’m more appreciative of the door that was opened for me when I toured that hospital initially. It led me to the work I did – a cause I remain deeply passionate about – and to meeting women with some of the strongest and most beautiful spirits I’ve ever encountered. My heart is sad for the loss it feels, but it hurts more for the women in Ethiopia and beyond who’ve lost their ultimate champion.

“These women have suffered more than any woman should be called upon to endure. To meet only one is to be profoundly moved and calls forth the utmost compassion that the human heart is capable of feeling.”

I have had a great admiration for Dr Hamlin when she shared the vision and realities of her work In Ethiopia, during her visit to the Zonta club in Brisbane many years ago. Such a long life dedicated to the poor and suffering, the energy and love
given to so many is most admirable. A life remarkably well lived.
Heartfelt condolences and prayers for everyone in her organization

Brilliant 😊

God Bless

RIP

Fly on, sweet angel of Earth. May your forever dimension embrace you with eternal love and light, the same way you embraced life here on earth. You will always be remembered. Thank you so much Catherine. Rest easy.

I loved her and all she stood for.
Faith hope and charity; a golden life of
Service, selflessness, accomplishment

The world has lost an absolutely amazing woman. Thank you for your wonderful years of service to Ethiopian women. You will be missed. Rest in peace

Catherine,

I read your book 20 years ago then went onto study Community Development. You were such an inspiration As such I wrote about your work many times in my university papers. 10 years down the track I thought I saw someone in the foyer at my workplace that looked just like you. Turns out it was you! I often kick my self that I never said anything to you, but then again I probably would have been lost for words. What can one say when they meet their hero.

You were the one of the best humans to ever live. Truely, gone to soon but your amazing work will live on forever.

Sarah.

Dear Catherine,
You have more than earned your rest with your God. The world deeply mourns our loss. The world will always celebrate you, extraordinary you, intelligent, compassionate, and humane you. Rest peacefully, Catherine, knowing that the world will carry on your work and fulfil your wishes to end fistula. I am forever yours in sisterhood.

What a remarkable woman! First heard about her from a friend who went to Frensham – thanks Chris – then she became a regular topic of conversation among my international development cohort. Just shows what a person with focus, passion and compassion can do – change the world for many many people!

Thank you for making it okay to consider the health needs of women.

The most amazing woman, forever treasured xxx

Vale, Dr. Catherine Hamlin – a truly magnificent human being! 🙏🥀💔

It was with great sadness that I read of the passing of Dr. Catherine Hamlin. She was a wonderful person devoting her life to the care of young mothers in Ethiopia. I sincerely hope that her life’s work will continue for many years to come.

What an amazing life and inspiration to all, dear Catherine.
You and Reg have left a lasting legacy to the power of Faith and commitment to improving the lives of those in need. You are a beacon of light for all, especially those who wish to follow.
God bless you.

I never met you, nor heard about you until this day. Reading just a short writing about you makes me feel so inspired. In this day of great fear amidst a viral outbreak and lockdowns, you bring light even in this darkest hour. We will see the ripples of your legacy forever more. Thank you for being the person that you were and continue to be wherever you may be hereon.

Rest In Peace Catherine, you truly were an angel placed on earth. It was an honour and privilege to have met you. Long live your legacy!