Uterine fibroids are one of the most common reproductive conditions affecting those with uteruses. Millions suffer from uterine fibroids, however, the diagnosis can feel isolating. Finding community and social support offers a place for you to foster relationships with those going through similar experiences.
The White Dress Project: The White Dress Project began as a global movement for awareness and advocacy for those who suffer from uterine fibroids. The name stems from the fear that comes with wearing white dresses (or clothing) with uterine fibroids.
The name represents a reclaiming of life and commitment to finding a cure. The White Dress Project encourages storytelling and courageous honesty to find community in this disease. While the non-profit organization relies heavily on healthcare practitioners and clinical research, they also strongly promote the use of community-building as a form of healing.
This particular organization represents all those who suffer from uterine fibroids, it also focuses on the experience of Black women since they are overrepresented in diagnosis. On their website, you can find personal stories, educational materials, and ways to get involved.
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Through empowerment, education, and advocacy, The White Dress Project aims to reclaim strength and dignity for those suffering from fibroids.
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CARE About Fibroids: CARE About Fibroids is a non-profit organization focused on centering uterine fibroids as a women's health issue and promoting greater awareness and action. Although uterine fibroids will affect 80% of women by the time they turn 50, the spectrum of care and information is inadequate when compared to the frequency.
CARE About Fibroids is focused on claiming uterine fibroids as a common condition. With this objective, they hope to increase awareness and education in hopes of earlier detection. Advocacy is one arm of CARE, but another arm is community!
They hope to assemble a strong circle of patients, loved ones, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers to represent the full picture of those who suffer with uterine fibroids.
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This full community not only helps patients feel less isolated but also creates an environment of understanding where everyone can openly share their perspectives. Those who are interested can get involved through sharing their story, becoming a member, or simply learning via the materials on their website.
@BlackGirlsWithFibroids: This IG page is a more casual and simple way to get connected! With the tap of your finger, you can join a community of 900 other people who are going through the same experience.
This page features facts, videos, recipes, and all types of educational materials that are provided in a digestible manner. Furthermore, the social media platform allows for easier sharing of resources if you would like to share to others in your network.
Instagram also makes it easier to see who is in your community. Have you been talking to the same person in the comments for the past few weeks? Give them a follow or slide into their DMs! A new friend might be waiting. If you are looking for an easy but effective way to find more information and a large community, pages like BlackGirlsWithFibroids are a feasible solution.
Responsum for Fibroids App: For fans of Real Housewives of Atlanta, a familiar face could lead you to a new community filled with women suffering from uterine fibroids. Cynthia Bailey Hill recently expressed her support of a new app called Responsum for Fibroids. Diagnosed with uterine fibroids herself, she shared her excitement for the app and her hopes that others will find the same healing she found with her uterine fibroids.
Responsum for Fibroids is a research-driven app that compiles the latest personalized news and encourages users to build relationships through the Community Chat feature. App users can share their stories, questions, and best practices on the app where others can interact.
Finally, users can store medical information for convenience and simplicity. Those interested in the app can download for free for both Apple iOS and Android.
You do not have to go through uterine fibroid diagnosis and treatment alone. Your immediate social circle may not share your experiences, but community is only a click away. If you want treatment localized to your area, try finding communities on Facebook or the NextDoor app. Community is just as important in your healing journey as any medication or treatment plan.
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