I am so excited to run
the NYC Marathon with Team EndoStrong! I first-hand know the
physical and emotional toll endometriosis can cause -- I was diagnosed at 21
after years of dealing with incapacitating pain that completely affected my
quality of life. This invisible disease deserves so much more awareness and funding
to make a difference for those, like myself, who are impacted by endometriosis.
If you are able, please consider donating to this meaningful cause - anything
helps!
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to
the inner lining of the uterus, also known as the endometrium, is found outside
its normal location, where the tissue should not be. This may result in
inflammation, as the tissue even outside the uterus will respond to the monthly
fluctuations of the menstrual cycle.
The disease affects 1 in 10 reproductive-aged
individuals (aged 12-52) - an estimated 200 million women worldwide - and many
often experience a decade-long delay in diagnosis. Currently, there is no known
exact cause of endometriosis, and there is no cure.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America
strives to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, facilitate expert
surgical training, and fund landmark endometriosis research. Engaged in a
robust campaign to inform both the medical community and the public, the
EndoFound places particular emphasis on the critical importance of early
diagnosis and effective intervention while simultaneously providing education
to the next generation of medical professionals and their patients.
