A Medical Relief Across 2,000 Kilometers

At the end of 2024, Zhuo Ma embarked on an extraordinary journey, traveling over 2,000 kilometers from the remote pastoral area of Chengduo Township in Zhaduo County, Yushu Prefecture, to Beijing. Zhuo Ma, a Tibetan woman, had faced health challenges for many years, and this trip marked a turning point in her life. With our help, she finally found relief and saw her long-standing medical issues resolved.

 

We first met Zhuo Ma in June at a clinic in Yushu Prefecture, where she sought our assistance. Her primary concern was persistent “urine leakage” that had troubled her for years. Upon examination, UFH gynecologists discovered she had previously undergone chemotherapy, radiation, and a hysterectomy for cervical cancer. She was diagnosed with a vesicovaginal fistula, a condition that surgery could potentially address.

 

 

Despite her illness, Zhuo Ma had always been a vibrant woman who loved to dress up and embrace life. However, in the past four years, she had endured wearing diapers due to incontinence, bringing physical discomfort and emotional distress. The burden affected not only her health but also her self-esteem, as she faced judgment from others. Her family’s financial situation worsened as they spent their savings on her treatment.

Zhuo Ma was relentless in her efforts to address her health condition, doing everything possible to seek treatment and raise funds through relatives. Living in a pastoral area over 200 kilometers from the nearest hospital in Yushu Prefecture, the journey was far from easy. With limited transportation options, she relied on a motorcycle, enduring long, bumpy, and dusty roads. Each time she set out, she carried hope that this visit might finally bring relief. However, time and time again, reality fell short of her expectations. Her family, though supportive, fell into debt from repeatedly helping her, leading to occasional disputes and increasing Zhuo Ma’s sense of helplessness. Eventually, the weight of disappointment caused her to abandon the idea of further treatment.

 

 

Her story reached us through our local partner organization in Chengduo County. Moved by her plight, we collaborated to devise a medical assistance plan. Recognizing her family’s financial strain, we swiftly arranged for essential supplies, including adult diapers, which were delivered through the local partner. We also engaged urology and gynecology specialists in Beijing to consult on her condition and potential treatments. Throughout this process, we maintained constant communication with Zhuo Ma and her family, ensuring they felt supported and informed.

After thorough deliberation and acknowledging the limited medical resources available locally, we recommended that Zhuo Ma travel to Beijing for surgical treatment. A trip of such magnitude was no small matter—her family relied heavily on her, and being away for an extended period posed challenges. Respecting their customs and concerns, we gave them ample time to consider this option. By early December, Zhuo Ma and her family agreed to proceed. We promptly coordinated with Beijing United Family Hospital to facilitate her admission. The renewed hope in Zhuo Ma’s heart was evident as she boarded the plane to Beijing, accompanied by Mandarin-speaking relatives and guided by social workers from our local partner.

 

 

 

Zhuo Ma’s journey spanned villages, towns, and cities, covering more than 2,000 kilometers with five stopovers before finally arriving in Beijing. Late in the evening, we welcomed her at the airport, ensuring she reached the hospital safely.

Before departing for Beijing, Zhuo Ma had concerns about hospital accommodations, believing she would need to bring toiletries, clothes, slippers, and bedding. When informed that the hospital provided everything she needed, she remained skeptical. It wasn’t until she stepped into the clean, comfortable single room, complete with a private bathroom, fresh toiletries, and new clothes, that she truly believed it. This was the first time in her life she had stayed somewhere so well-equipped. The attentive nurses gently guided her through basic hygiene routines and explained how to care for her wounds, reinforcing her sense of comfort and security.

 

 

Chief Physician Dr. Zhu Gang and Dr. Zhang Kai from the Department of Urology led Zhuo Ma’s treatment. Upon her admission, they promptly convened a multidisciplinary team, including specialists from gynecology, anesthesiology, and imaging. Their collective expertise ensured Zhuo Ma’s care was thorough and personalized. Throughout her hospital stay, the doctors monitored both her physical and emotional well-being, offering not just medical treatment but compassionate reassurance.

 

 

 

Zhuo Ma’s past treatments for cervical cancer, including chemotherapy and radiation, had left her organs fragile, complicating the surgical process. The medical team approached each step with precision and care, determined to provide her with the highest level of protection. Under Dr. Zhu Gang’s leadership, every member of the surgical team collaborated seamlessly. The da Vinci robotic system played a critical role in the surgery, ensuring precision and contributing to a successful outcome.

Following surgery, Zhuo Ma’s recovery required careful attention. Returning to her high-altitude pastoral home too soon posed risks due to the harsh environment, unavoidable labor, and long travel. After thoughtful evaluation, the doctors recommended she remain in Beijing for at least a month to allow for proper healing. Once agreed upon, we acted swiftly to find temporary housing for her. Through the generosity of our partners, Zhuo Ma was welcomed into a “loving home,” where warmth and care filled the space. Her transition was smooth, and she even had the joy of celebrating the winter solstice with her new community.

 

 

Volunteers regularly visited Zhuo Ma, bringing fresh produce, eggs, and essential items. Surrounded by kindness, Zhuo Ma’s spirit visibly lifted. The once somber expression on her face gradually transformed into a bright and hopeful smile.

 

United Foundation for China’s Health remains committed to Zhuo Ma’s journey, continuing to monitor her recovery closely. Our goal is to ensure she returns to her community not just healed, but with the strength and confidence to embrace life fully once again.

 

 

Healing Brings Hope