Heidi was three months pregnant when she learned about obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury affecting more than 2 million women in the developing world. Most women affected lose their babies in childbirth and live in shame, isolation, and ill health. After nearly dying in childbirth herself, Heidi worked to build One by One, while her son, Coleman, slept. The organization encourages "giving circles" of 10 people to donate $30 each—accumulating enough money for one fistula repair surgery. The project now gives grants to fistula-treatment programs worldwide, and supporters from the United States, Europe, and Australia have raised more than $250,000. Heidi's commitment to ending fistula is rivaled only by her commitment to family. She still finds time to play with Coleman and support his preschool cooperative through school cleaning, newsletter writing, and helping in the classroom. Heidi gracefully balances entrepreneurship, activism, and family.
Heidi Breeze-Harris
SEATTLE, WASHINGTONMother of Coleman, 2
Nominated by Katya Matanovic
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