Fatima lost her husband, Omar, three years ago. After the birth of her second child, she suffered from postpartum complications that left her with severe back pain and limited mobility. For 14 years, she struggled with chronic pain and depression, worsened by her reduced finances following Omar’s death. She lives in one of Albania’s poorest municipalities, where back pain after childbirth is seen as normal and often goes untreated.
In her community, a poor diet and lack of proper healthcare make these problems worse. Women rarely learn how to strengthen their core and back muscles, and social norms discourage them from talking about their pain. Fatima was led to believe that this pain was simply a fact of life.
Unbeknownst to her, a physical therapy clinic called Operation Mercy operated in the northside neighborhood—right next to the city's busiest pathology lab. The clinic aimed to help those who were often overlooked. A physical therapist at the center challenged the idea that postpartum pain was inevitable by hosting discussions in Albanian and teaching simple exercises. Gradually, women began to open up and learn that their pain did not have to be permanent.
After hearing a recommendation from her cousin, Fatima visited the Hope & Health Centre. There, she received a warm welcome, a thorough check-up by experienced physiotherapists, a personalized exercise program, and medicinal massage. Like many others, Fatima experienced less pain and improved mobility. Grateful for the care, she blessed the staff, saying, “May God give you all good health!”
Now, Fatima is enjoying life again. She is even considering joining the STEP program to build confidence and learn new skills. Her journey reflects the core goals of the Hope & Health project: improved spinal health, increased mobility, and better overall well-being for local women.
