Healing Magdalene

In 2005, Donna Valverde’s father was suffering from illnesses, and, as his caregiver, she called in 24/7 care for extra help. During this challenging time, she got to know Magdalene Fofana, one of the certified nursing assistants helping her dad, Don Valverde. Donna learned that Magdalene had moved from West Africa because she didn’t want her daughters to undergo the experience of female genital mutilation, which Donna didn’t know much about previously. After Donna’s father passed, Donna founded the Valvisions Foundation in his and Magdalene’s honor to create awareness of this practice. Donna made three tips to Africa, twice with a film crew, and learned as much as she could to create a documentary. Valvisions Foundation is  also helping to create scholarship programs for girls in Africa in honor of Donna’s mother, Helen Valverde, who also has passed away. Pictured is Donna (at right) sitting next to a translator in Kenya, who’s telling her about female genital mutilation. The premiere of Donna’s film, Healing Magdalene, will take place at River Oaks Theatre, Sept. 18, 7 p.m., which Donna said is fitting since her home neighborhood of River Oaks is where it all started. See healingmagdalene.org.

Editor’s note: The Buzz congratulates Annie and Tyler McQueen on their beautiful twin babies. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her newborn babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.