Brew & Blossom: A Summertime Tea Social for Uterine Fibroid Awareness
This year Our Bodies Ourselves was honored to co-host Resilient Sisterhood Project’s annual uterine fibroid awareness event at Suffolk University. Nearly 50 attendees, all dressed in beautiful florals, passionately shared their stories and asked important questions about uterine fibroid care in our community. An excellent panel spoke about fibroid diagnosis, treatment, mental health impacts, and patient experiences.
First Dr. Nyia Noel, founder of the Fibroid Center at Boston Medical Center, described her role as a healthcare provider in creating a safe space that centers individuals, especially knowing that 70%-80% of Black women will develop fibroids by age 40. She expressed the importance of attending community conversations in raising awareness around uterine fibroids. Dr. Robert’s patient was also a panelist. Darlene Charles, ACE certified personal trainer, graciously shared her story of struggling to get a fibroid diagnosis and treatment before she found Dr. Roberts. She is now fibroid free!
Dr. Charmain Jackman, founder and CEO of InnoPsych, Inc., was the third panelist. Dr. Jackson spoke to experiences with fibroids and how the impacts go far beyond the physical, sometimes even reaching across multiple generations. Both Charmain and Darlene recommended speaking with family members of all ages about reproductive health and fibroids. These conversations can validate experiences and can even help identify a fibroid diagnosis.
Dr. Yvonne Gomez Carrion, A.K.A “the queen of fibroids,” jumped in at the conclusion to affirm that “you are your best healthcare provider.” We discussed that each of us knows our own body better than anyone else. Self advocacy in difficult health situations is important. Ask questions and find a care team that you are comfortable with and that supports you. Below are some questions from the Resilient Sisterhood Project that you can bring to help advocate for yourself at a fibroid appointment.
Thank you to all of our lovely attendees, volunteers, and co-hosts Resilient Sisterhood Project and Boston Medical Center.
Fibroid Question Checklist
