By Ravonna Martin | Founder & Executive Director
One year ago, we opened the doors of the Ida Lee House (ILH) with a simple but ambitious vision: to create a place where women facing cancer could find safety, dignity, community, and hope.
Today, that vision has become something far greater than a compound. The Ida Lee House is a sanctuary for women’s health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, providing compassionate care while helping strengthen access to breast and cervical cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
As we celebrate this major milestone, we’re also reflecting on this big year of growth, partnership, and impact—and looking ahead to the next chapter.
One Year of Impact
Over the past 12 months, the Ida Lee House has welcomed hundreds of women and their families, many traveling long distances to receive lifesaving care.
The ILH has become a place where patients find support, assistance, and reassurance that they do not have to face cancer alone.
Every patient story, every surgery, and every woman who returns home healthier is possible because of a global community that believes dignified healthcare should be accessible to all.
“At the Ida Lee Project, I found love and was welcomed with kindness. I had been searching for a hospital like this, and when I came here, I was able to return home healthy.” - Patient at the ILH
Advancing Cancer Research Through Partnership
This year, we’re also expanding our research partnership with Columbia University, developing a comprehensive patient tracking system that strengthens continuity of care while generating high-quality clinical data.
Together, we are building one of the first robust datasets on breast and cervical cancer in this region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This research will help identify patterns in disease, improve diagnosis and treatment, and inform future clinical care and public health strategies.
This collaboration is generating the evidence needed to improve cancer care locally while contributing to the global fight against breast and cervical cancer. We are deeply grateful to every patient whose trust and participation are helping shape better care for future generations.
Be Part of Our Next Chapter
In our second year, we’re strengthening the ILH into an even more fully operational, long-term and sustainable women's healthcare center serving Kisangani and surrounding areas.
Growing Surgical Capacity
We’re increasing the number of procedures performed, improving surgical recovery infrastructure, acquiring more sterilization and operating equipment, and growing inpatient capacity so more women can receive timely, high-quality care.
Strengthening Cancer Care
We’re expanding access to chemotherapy, working to improve early breast and cervical cancer detection, as well as strengthening patient data and follow-up systems.
Expanding Women's Health Programs
We’re establishing a permanent reusable menstrual pad workshop at the ILH, distributing pads in schools and communities, and continuing to reduce menstrual stigma through education.
Investing in Congolese Leadership
We’re continuing to invest in staff training, strengthening leadership across our programs, and ensuring that long-term healthcare solutions are led by the best local care providers.
Building for the Future
To sustain our growth, the ILH is srengthening operational systems, expanding our recurring donor community, and continuing to build partnerships that support long-term impact.
These goals are ambitious but achievable because of supporters like you. As we celebrate one year of the Ida Lee House, we invite you to help shape what comes next.
There are so many ways to support this work:
Thank You
To every patient, healthcare worker, volunteer, researcher, partner, donor, and supporter: thank you for making this first year possible.
Together, we have built far more than a health center. We’ve built hope, strengthened healthcare, and created new opportunities for dignified care for women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
We can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in year two!
By Ravonna Martin | Founder & Executive Director
By Ravonna Martin | Founder & Director
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