Anonymous – Rectal Cancer Survivor

“I am a rectal cancer survivor and life as an ostomate is not always easy.”

For one survivor in South Africa, each day demanded resilience. Living with an ileostomy brought persistent challenges – painful skin irritation, uncontrollable output and frequent leaks. Yet the most daunting obstacle was not medical complexity, but access: the absence of reliable, appropriate stoma supplies. “You face challenges regularly from skin irritations to continuous and uncontrollable output, to leaks. It’s just difficult on its own already.” Across the region, many ostomates depend on limited, one size fits all government issued bags. Some go for months without receiving any supplies at all. For this survivor, scarcity meant wearing a single bag far beyond its safe lifespan, until it leaked, resulting in raw, bleeding skin and a profound sense of fear and isolation.

“At times I was so scared to change my ostomy bag because I didn’t have other bags. I would keep one on until it leaked, causing horrible rashes and bleeding skin. I was constantly miserable and in pain.”

Everything changed with Footprints 2 Africa. The survivor received correctly fitting, reliable supplies. Restoring comfort, dignity, and confidence.

“Footprints 2 Africa has helped me tremendously. Life has become more comfortable. I can go out in public and enjoy life again without worrying about embarrassing leaks or discomfort life feels possible again.”

“I’m utterly grateful to Footprints 2 Africa and to all who donate ostomy supplies to people like me who cannot afford them. Thank you, and may God bless you in abundance.”