Saturday, February 7, 2015

EndoMarch 2014!

This post is crazy overdue!  Almost a year to be exact.  Geez!  I want to tell you all about a wonderful movement by the name of The Million Woman March for Endometriosis, better known as The EndoMarch.  

As stated in my previous posts, this movement has been long overdue and being able to participate in this event was life changing! We arrived in Washington D.C. the day before the march.  Can I just say that driving around D.C. is not a good idea!  We didn't realize what we were getting into and we actually wound up in the district and Oh my Goodness!  Never ever attempt it, you've been warned.  Enough about that, let's get to the wonderfulness that is The EndoMarch 2014!

The 2014 EndoMarch took place in Washington D.C. at the National Mall on March 13, 2014

 I was one of the Precinct Managers for North Carolina. I was honored to help, it truly was so rewarding to help this movement grow.  I met many women with endometriosis that live in our state.  It is not very often that you meet people who are going through and share the same experiences with endometriosis.  Maybe because many don't talk about it, because we have been taught to be ashamed and/or embarrassed, and sometimes that lesson comes from society. Through this event I have met some amazing women, we call each other endo sisters. We share a bond through our situation and suffering that many don't understand.  I loved meeting them and putting faces with names and seeing our work come together to bring awareness to end endometriosis. It was nothing short of amazing.  Many of these women will always hold a special place in my heart!

This is Cherrelle, of Her Yellow Ribbon (HYR) and I.
We were two of the precinct managers for NC
Please visit HerYellowRibbon at:
http://www.heryellowribbon.org/

On March 13, 2014 the day began with everyone meeting and registering at the at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium.  There was an educational symposium held here following a nice breakfast. The symposium featured some wonderful speakers including Dr. Nezhat, who founded this event with his siblings who are also in the medical field.

 


 There are some amazing photos of the Educational Symposium captured by Audrey Michel at 
 http://audreymichelphotography.pass.us/mwmfendo-endomarch2014/c-9xDcx1050893

We then all took to the National Mall! It was bitterly cold that day, I don't think I have ever been so cold, and I don't think I would have remained in the cold for many other reasons! We heard various speakers which included, The Nezhat family,  Stephanie March, Mika Brzezinski, and many other medical professionals and some fellow endo sisters! Sheryl Crow preformed for us and concluded the ceremony.

More of the outdoor rally photos captured by Audrey Michel can be found here:
http://audreymichelphotography.pass.us/mwmfendo-endomarch2014/c-VGbmB1050898

We braved the wind and the cold and we marched the National Mall and let Washington know that we demand attention and awareness to this disease. The emotions during this march were incredible. Many held signs and banners, some of  us held hands, all while many of us had tears streaming down our face.  We were no longer alone. We were demanding to be recognized and on that day a sense of hope flooded the National Mall and a change was made that will forever be remembered.
 There are some amazing photos of the march captured by Audrey Michel at
http://audreymichelphotography.pass.us/mwmfendo-endomarch2014/i-9mRjm89400556
Following the march, we joined together back at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. We enjoyed some wonderful food and danced together.  There was an acknowledgement of the "Endo Hero of The Year". I was one of the many recipients and I am so proud! We chatted and got to know each other better! This was a wonderful experience and I encourage everyone to help us. Be a part of the change.



 Some after party photos captured by Audrey Michel can be found here:
http://audreymichelphotography.pass.us/mwmfendo-endomarch2014/c-QpT4g1050962

Too many women are suffering this disease for it to remain silent. Silence is causing suffering. 
You should not be ashamed, or embarrassed if you suffer with this disease. It isn't your fault or caused by something that you did. You are not alone. It is not all in your head.  It isn't just extremely painful periods. A hysterectomy alone is not a cure.  If you feel something isn't right, please speak up. Reach out, there are so many of us that want you to know that you are not alone and we will help you in anyway that we can.
 We understand.

Join us and help us bring awareness to endometriosis.  I will always advocate for Endometriosis Awareness and for those who suffer with it. I do not want any other woman or girl to suffer the way I have.  I will not sit back and let others suffer and  feel alone and ashamed. No more silence. 
I do not care it is an uncomfortable conversation or topic, it is one that must be had. 
Get out of your comfort zone and let's get real! 

There are some wonderful images that a very talented endo sister captured, her name is Audrey Michel. She is also the founder of Rewired Life and is soon to release a book! You can view some of her work here, 
http://rewired-life.com/million-women-march-for-endometriosis-photos/

The 2015 EndoMarch will be held in Washington, DC as well as in Palo Alto, C.A. on
March 28, 2015
 More info can be found here:
 http://www.endomarch.org/
Feel free to email me to endomarch.northcarolina03@gmail.com

A couple of cool candid photos of my family and myself captured by Audrey Michel



I want to thank everyone who was a part of creating this event, the ones behind the scenes, the paperwork, all the precinct managers, the journalists, the participants, and everyone person who was involved at any moment!  You all helped make a tremendous difference in the Endometriosis community. Something very important happened on that day, change began.
Again, thank you.







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