Yas’ Story

We believe every ostomate deserves dignity, hope and a voice. Too often, these stories remain unheard.

Footprints 2 Africa shares the journey of Yas, a courageous 27 year old mum from South Africa. Her life changed forever at 13 when a bus skipped a red light and ran her over, leaving her with a permanent colostomy. Yas sustained serious injuries and was totally reliant on her mum until she was taught to care for herself. Her mum became her rock, learning from nurses, cleaning her stoma, and even kissing it so Yas would love and accept herself. Yas thanks the Lord for guiding her mum with the patience, energy and love she needed. “Mum never made me feel less of a human being. I only received love.”

But the journey was not easy. Yas suffered from low self esteem, bullying at school and the humiliation of leaks. For years, she lived in silence, wondering if she would ever find love, acceptance or a family. By God’s grace, Yas met Joshua – supportive, understanding and full of love. Together, they now have 2 beautiful children.

Yet challenges continued. Yas developed a peristomal hernia with a prolapsed stoma. She needs an 89mm colostomy bag. Some months, she receives 3–5 bags only and often the hospital has no supplies at all, leaving her to make do. She has washed and reused old stoma bags until they fell apart. On her hardest days, Yas has strapped on her child’s nappies and taped plastic bags to her stomach. Her skin has burned, leaked and itched constantly. She has had to wash clothing and bedding over and over again due to the leaks. Because of this lack of supplies and constant challenges, Yas cannot get a job.

Then came a turning point. Yas discovered Footprints 2 Africa and supplies began reaching her home. While supplies have made a drastic change for Yas and her family, she still urgently needs 89mm colostomy bags, which remain very difficult to access.

Yas’ struggle was never hers alone. The absence of proper supplies weighed heavily on her entire family. Her husband Joshua stood steadfastly by her side, scrubbing bedding late into the night, holding her when leaks left her ashamed, and using humor to soften painful moments. At times, when the smell clung to their children’s clothes, Yas couldn’t tell if it was her baby’s nappy… or her stoma leaking again. Intimacy was often put on hold. Their limited money drained away on endless loads of washing powder and water. It was their silent battle, a home filled with love, yet stretched to breaking point.

Because of your generosity, that battle has shifted. When you donate your unused supplies to our charity, you don’t just change one life, you change an entire family.

Today, Yas can hold her children without fear. Her husband has his wife back. Their home is lighter, freer, filled once again with dignity and love. Strengthened by her faith, her family’s love, and the kindness of strangers, Yas shows what becomes possible when we act together. Her focus now is on living a good quality of life – being a mum and a wife, instead of living with constant anxiety about her next stoma bag.

“I feel like I can live again. Everyone has been so helpful, and I want others going through similar struggles to know that help is out there. That’s why I’m sharing my story.” – Yas