For eight years, Tia lived with the daily reality of a permanent ileostomy after emergency surgery changed her life without warning.
She had no understanding of what a stoma was or how to care for it. Managing leaks became a constant struggle and the products available to her often caused severe skin damage. At times, the situation became so desperate that she and her husband tried using plasters to hold leaking appliances in place through the night. As her skin deteriorated, even basic adhesion became painful and unreliable. Eventually, Tia discovered she was allergic to several of the products she had been using. It answered years of confusion, discomfort and ongoing complications.
The challenges did not stop there. Following serious financial hardship, Tia and her family lost their private medical insurance and were forced to rely on an overstretched state system for supplies. Access became inconsistent, stressful and deeply discouraging, often leaving her without enough products or support to manage safely and comfortably.
Through Footprints 2 Africa, Tia began receiving donated stoma supplies better suited to her needs. The impact reached far beyond practical care.
“I have started laughing and talking again. I have started living again, with hope for a better future.”
Today, Tia speaks openly about regaining confidence, self worth and dignity after years of isolation and struggle.
“For the first time in 8 years, I have found my voice again. My self worth has grown immensely. I feel like a human being, a woman again.”
During Footprints 2 Africa’s recent outreach in South Africa, Tia also donated her own unused stoma supplies to help support other ostomates facing similar challenges. Her kindness became part of a wider cycle of dignity, compassion and community support.
Tia now hopes to use her experience to encourage others and remind people living with a stoma that they are not alone.
Her story reflects the life changing difference access to the right supplies, understanding and support can make.
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