With heavy hearts, we share some tragic news of a painful loss in our ReSurge International family.
Our dear colleague and friend, Dr. Matolase Mtonga of our Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) program, unexpectedly passed away on the morning of December 20th.
Matolase was kind, brave, intuitive, intelligent, passionate, and curious. She cared deeply for her patients, and was as empathic as she was relentless in her mission to serve them. She truly epitomized what it means to be a pioneering woman, and was on track to become the first woman reconstructive surgeon in all of Zambia. This is a tragic loss not only for those of us who knew her personally, but also for the future of reconstructive surgery in her home country, and for the world at large.
Our hearts go out to Matolase’s family, and to our entire PWRS community. She touched the lives of so many. We are in contact with the family, and will share information when appropriate on ways to support, honor, and mourn this collective loss as a community.
We all feel privileged to have known this incredible and inspiring young woman. We will miss her deeply.
