Free Medical Access for Teenage Mothers, Bulgaria

Over the past three months, the medical office has welcomed more than 140 patients for examinations. More than 60 of them visitied one of the doctors there for the first time. Since April 2025, alongside the ob-gyn and pediatric specialist, Dr. Alekova, a general practitioner, has joined the team. This has made it possible for the center to extend its much-needed services to a broader group within the community, beyond the mothers and babies who have always been its primary focus.

The story that follows is one example of this impact.

The loss of a loved one often leaves behind not only grief, but also a deep sense of despair and helplessness. It was with these heavy emotions that Sanka crossed the threshold of the medical office.

She lives with diabetes and high blood pressure, but after her loss, she lost the motivation to care for herself and stopped taking her prescribed medication. Before long, her health began to deteriorate.

With patience, understanding, and strong dedication, Dr. Alekova—together with the support team at the community center run by our local partner—was able to earn Sanka’s trust and connect with her. She encouraged Sanka to make a simple but important commitment: to visit the office every week for treatment monitoring and emotional support.

A few days ago, during one of her regular check-ups, Sanka shared her gratitude, describing how valuable the help and care she receives at the center have been. The medical office in the neighborhood is not just a healthcare service—it is a constant, human point of care for people who lack support and struggle to navigate the rigidity and complexity of the healthcare system.

What makes this possible is the team’s human approach—the combined effort of medical professionals and community support working side by side. The true strength of the center lies in showing patients that they are seen, valued, and supported.

You are part of this support system, alongside the doctors, nurses, and community workers. We are grateful for your trust and support so that hope can return alongside good health—one donation and one visit to the medical center at a time.

Dear friends,

Since our last update, the medical center in Fakulteta has delivered nearly 200 medical examinations, including 86 for new patients. Each of these visits represents a step toward better health — and a reminder of the vital role your support plays in this community.

One of these stories belongs to Yulia, a 22-year-old woman experiencing her first pregnancy. Without health insurance and living in Glaveva mahala — one of the most deprived parts of an already under-resourced neighborhood — Yulia hadn’t received any prenatal care and feared for her baby’s future.

Thanks to your support, she found her way to the medical center. There, a caring team helped identify a potential issue with her pregnancy and referred her for a fetal morphology scan. But when she was hospitalized, she encountered a number of barriers: complex administrative procedures, lack of empathy, and dismissive treatment from hospital staff meant that the critical exam she needed was never performed.

Discouraged but not alone, Yulia returned to the medical center. The center’s OB-GYN, Dr. Yotova, stepped in and arranged a referral to a specialist at Sheinovo Hospital. This time, the scan was completed — and the results were positive.

From then on, Yulia’s pregnancy was closely monitored at the center. She has since given birth safely and now returns regularly with her newborn for pediatric check-ups, guidance, and support. Yulia is also enrolled in ongoing programs that offer social and parenting support as she builds a healthier, more stable life for herself and her child.

Yulia is no longer facing this journey alone — and her baby has the healthy start every child deserves.

Looking ahead, we know that next year will bring challenges. Until now, the center’s operations have been partially supported by additional funding secured by our hosting partner, the Health and Social Development Foundation. That support is coming to an end, and we’ll increasingly rely on donors like you to help sustain this vital work.

At the same time, we’re moving forward: we’ve recently succeeded in bringing a new doctor on board — a much-needed step that will strengthen the team and expand access for even more families.

Your continued support has never been more important. Please consider renewing your gift or sharing our campaign with others. Every donation brings hope, stability, and care to families in Fakulteta — and helps us ensure the center can continue to be there for people like Yulia, just when they need it most.

With gratitude,

Aylin