February was quite a month for me. March is looking so much brighter!
This wonderful person I speak of is Mirah Jo Cuthbertson, also known as MJ to her close friends and family. Mirah Jo currently resides in Aberdeen, N.C.
MJ was born in Adak, AK but was raised in Oak Harbor, WA on Whidbey Island until she was 21. Mirah Jo has helped me with other projects as well (see photo to the above)! This cause is very close to both our hearts.
Here are the questions and responses from our interview.
When were you diagnosed with endometriosis?
I was diagnosed with Endometriosis in October of 2007 after having my first laparoscopic surgery and months of being on narcotics for "unknown" pelvic pain and cysts.
Did you know what endometriosis was before you were diagnosed?
I knew very little about Endometriosis before being diagnosed simply because my mom and cousin had both suffered from the disease.
What do wish everyone knew about endometriosis?
I wish that everyone knew that hysterectomies are NOT the answer, BC pills are NOT the answer, that it is definitely okay to get 2nd, 3rd, and 4th opinions, and that you are never ever ever alone in this fight! And also that it is MORE THAN OKAY to cry!
What have you found to be the most difficult part of having endometriosis?
One of the most difficult parts of this illness is letting people help me. I am a "do it myself-er" and to be able to ask and accept help, and allow those I love to see me vulnerable has proven to be extremely rough.
How important is the support of others and what does it mean to you personally?
It is one of THE MOST important things, and personally it makes me feel loved and "normal". Like I'm not broken or a misfit, but that I'm lovable and a whole person.
What are your feelings about the Million Woman March for Endometriosis?
I think it is one of the greatest opportunities we as women with Endometriosis have to raise awareness and share our stories and raise our voices to help find a cure!
If you could say anything to medical professionals about endometriosis, what would that be?
I would simply ask that they take a step back and remember to have compassion for those of us who are in pain, I would ask them to take the time to try and learn even one specialized skill that would help further our care, and I would ask them to ask themselves if we were their daughters, their mothers, their wives, how far would they go? What would they do to find relief, to find a cure, some of us are those women.
Lastly I just want to express my utmost thanks for the opportunity to share my story. Each of us has one, mine is no more important than any other woman, so thank you for listening.
Thank you ever so much Mirah Jo for all of your help! I consider getting to know you, although not in person yet, to be a true blessing. It is truly wonderful to work with you and to spread endometriosis awareness! I appreciate you sharing your story with us, I know it isn't easy to do and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
For more information about the Million Woman March, please visit: http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/
If you are unable to attend the march please register here to virtually attend!
https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e8x0p4e56b251872&oseq&c&ch
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