Begging Money

Financial Hardship Help

Last Updated:

For my FGM Reconstructive Surgeries

Donate for my FGM Reconstructive Surgeries – End My 12 Years of Pain

My Story

I am a 23-year-old girl born and raised in America. At 11, after finishing my 5th grade, I travelled with my family to a ‘summer vacation’ in their homeland where I was subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) — a violent act disguised as tradition. My stay there was prolonged, and I remained there for several years, returning to America again during my second year of high school.

For years, I didn’t understand what happened to me — only that basic bodily functions became sources of pain. This experience remained a puzzle in the background of my memory, something I didn’t understand but was simply there.

My Struggles

I grew up accustomed to constant pain during basic biological functions:

  1. Burning with urination
  2. Stabbing nerve pain when sitting too long
  3. Throbbing discomfort during walks
  4. Tight clothes rubbed my scars raw; that’s why I didn’t wear any
  5. Exercise became impossible
  6. Every month, I suffer from excruciating pain and extremely heavy periods

yet I assumed it all was normal or something all girls experienced. The chronic pain left me exhausted, anxious, and isolated — I missed out on friendships, dates, and simple joys because I was always in pain. I structured my life around coping with the pain, unaware for years that it wasn’t something every woman endured.

I was struggling mentally and psychologically,, still, with severe depression because I can’t engage in daily life. I feel like a prisoner inside my own body.

 

My Late Awareness

At university, I realized the truth: what they called ‘Purification’ or ‘Purity’ was actually FGM — an illegal mutilation that scarred me for life.

I learned about its effects and realized:

  1. The source of my constant physical pain, after even the slightest exertion.
  2. The difficulty of living a normal life.
  3. The impossibility of practicing any sport I wanted to try due to the physical deformity I suffered.
  4. I couldn’t even do jobs that required physical effort.

What I LOST

I missed out on simple joys like cycling because I was always in pain. I grew up wanting to try skating on roller shoes and playing basketball, but physically, I wasn’t able to do so. I grew up suppressing my needs and desires out of pain.

I wanted to get out with my friends more. I wanted to have close friends, but I couldn’t open up to people. I missed out on childhood adventures because my body couldn’t keep up. I wish I had more memories with friends and people growing up, not withdrawing into myself.

My Hope: Reconstructive Surgeries

While there isn’t surgery that can fully “reverse” FGM, there are certain reconstructive surgeries that can help reduce and eliminate pain and reduce FGM complications.

 

After I consulted with several gynaecologists and female reproductive surgeons, they suggested that I need 3 medically necessary surgeries to reduce FGM-related complications. These surgeries are recommended by The World Health Organization (WHO) for FGM survivors with chronic pain and complications.

With these surgeries, I dream of trying to do the sports I wanted to try and finally living without pain. Exercise like normal people do, these surgeries will give me a chance to live the simple joys that I missed as a child and wanted to do while growing up and couldn’t.

How your donation helps me and gives me Hope!

Your donation will help me:

  1.  End my daily suffering — no more burning urination, stabbing nerve pain, or mobility limitations.
  2.  Eliminate serious health risks caused by FGM complications.
  3.  Restore basic bodily functions.
  4.  Rebuild my confidence and emotional well-being.
  5.  Give me back my future — the ability to work, exercise, and experience relationships without pain.

And beyond physical healing, these procedures represent restoring hope for a normal, empowered life full of dignity.

After 12 years of suffering, these surgeries are my chance to finally heal my physical and emotional wounds.

Though partially funded, I still need $18,000 USD to schedule them by late November.

[https://www.paypal.me/RuellaA2]

Because of your donation, I’ll soon make peace with my owb body. Every contribution brings me closer to healing.

I’m deeply grateful, and one day, I’ll pass this kindness forward.