We are three days away from March, the start of Endometriosis Awareness Month. There are a lot of amazing Education and Advocacy events near and far for patients to participate in. Even if you cannot travel for these events, there are ways you can participate!
Endometriosis Foundation of America March 7-8
The EFA is a non-profit founded by Dr. Tamer Seckin and PadmaLakshmi to improve the lives of endometriosis patients through education, awareness and research. They host a weekend every year that brings patients, doctors and celebrities together to raise awareness for endometriosis.
Medical Conference March 7: The EFA has been holding a medical conference annually for the past five years in New York City. Every year they bring many experts from around the world to come to this conference and talk about the latest studies and best medical practices related to the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Some of the topics being explored this year are, "Endometriosis and Ovarian Cancer: is there a connection?", "Robotics vs. Conventional Laparoscopy" and "Tackling Human Complex Diseases: A Journey from Autoimmunity to Endometriosis." This event is geared toward medical professionals, but patients are welcome to attend and can register for FREE here.
The Blossom Ball March 7: The Blossom Ball is a fun event that has been held every year for the past five years. It is one of the main fundraisers for the EFA. Celebrities such as Susan Sarandon, Whoopi Goldberg and Tyra Banks amongst others, have attended in the past. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Patient Day: Knowing that not all patients will be able to afford to go to the ball or be able to take off of work to attend the Medical Conference, the EFA holds a free Patient Day on Saturday March 8. The theme of this patient day is, "Outsmarting Endo: A Multi-disciplinary collaboration for women and their loved ones." From 10am-4pm, patients will listen to a panel of experts present on relevant topics related to endometriosis. My notes from last years conference can be found here. Patients can register here.
If you cannot attend these events have no fear! I will be taking great notes throughout the conferences and will post them here. Also, follow the EFA on twitter to get live tweets from the event. The EFA also has on their websites past videos from previous conferences and will post the videos from this year as well. If you are interested in helping support their teen education programs you can "Check the Box" to donate to Teen Education on your tax form and the EFA teen education program will benefit.
The Million Women March for Endometriosis March 13
The goals of the Endomarch are to empower, educate and effect change. Women from all over the country and all over the world are coming together to gain the attention and promote awareness and education for what is often called "the invisible disease." Patients and their loved ones are traveling to Washington D.C. to gather on the National Mall to support the efforts of the Endomarch. The event is free and includes all meals for the day. It was just announced that Sheryl Crowe will be performing that day. The itinerary for the day looks really exciting and you can register here.
If you cannot make it to Washington D.C. that day have no fear, there may be an event happing happening close to you. Contact your Endomarch State Representative to see what may be happening in your neighborhood. Also if you want you can be a virtual marcher and be matched up with someone who will march for you on that day in D.C. register here! Also any tweets made with the hashtag #endomarch2014 will be shown on the jumbotron tv live at the event! Another way to support the Endomarch and make a difference from home is to write a letter to your local and state representative making them aware of endometriosis and asking for their support in imperative to promote change. You can also create a flash mob video for awareness.
I am working with Endo Warriors this month to bring discounted mental health counseling to endometriosis patients. Part of the session fees will be donated to Endo Warriors. Endo Warriors are also holding events in March, to learn more about what they are doing, follow them on facebook.
These are just some of the amazing ways to participate in Endometriosis Awareness Month. There are even smaller ways, Change your facebook profile to yellow, send an email out to your friends about endometriosis, ask your local church or civic group if you can speak at a meeting about the disease or do something simple, like wearing a yellow ribbon on your jacket. Every little bit helps! If you have any questions about any of these events you can contact me CaseyBerna@gmail.com.
It was a blessing to have met you this week at Advocacy day in DC! I had stage IV endo and had to have a TAH in 2007 after several years of infertility. We are now in the adoption process and have been waiting for 2.5 years. You rock!
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