March marks many milestones, including St. Patrick’s Day, the arrival of spring, daylight savings and Spring Break; but what many people don’t know is that March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. All month long supporters will be sporting yellow ribbons in honor of Endometriosis Awareness, an effort that is geared toward spreading information on the chronic disease affecting millions of women worldwide.

We weren’t particularly well-versed with endometriosis until a friend of ShoreBread brought it to our attention recently. Jessica Moon was diagnosed with endometriosis in March 2013, and after experiencing firsthand just how difficult it is to get adequate treatment (not to mention the significant impact on her own life) Jessica decided to become proactive. Jessica launched the (Ask Me About) My Yellow Ribbon Project this year to help spread awareness during the month of March, and throughout the entire year.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what exactly endometriosis is (it’s OK, we were in the dark as well) here are a few quick facts:

  • Endometriosis gets its name from the word endometrium, which is the tissue lining the uterus
  • Endometriosis occurs when this tissue grows outside of the uterus, on other organs and structures in the body
  • Endometriosis affects an estimated 176 million woman world-wide with about 8.5 million women affected in North America.
  • 1 in 10 women have endometriosis.
  • Women of ALL ages, races and gender identities are/can be affected.
  • Endometriosis is one of the top three causes of infertility in women.
  • The most common symptom is pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis or lower back.
  • There is NO CURE (at this time)
  • Symptoms can include the following: chronic pain, pain during or after sex, intestinal pain, painful bowel movements or urination during menstrual periods, infertility, fatigue, diarrhea or nausea

Currently, no one knows what causes the disease. There is also no cure; however, there are many treatments for the pain and infertility that it causes. More importantly though, many women are unaware of the disease and its lifelong detriments. According to Moon, “Break the Silence is a common theme in Endometriosis Awareness…the stigma surrounding menstruation and women’s issues is a big part of why knowledge and treatment are lacking.”

In addition to starting her My Yellow Ribbon Project, Moon will be participating in the Million Women March in Washington D.C. on March 13th. Women from all over the country will gather on the National Mall to collectively bring awareness in hopes of raising better understanding, education and financial support for medical research and health coverage. Of course, hope for a cure is always on the forefront as well.

So how can you help? For starters, make yourself aware of what endometriosis is and how you or a loved one could be affected. Next, wear a yellow ribbon of any size, shape or style this month and wear it proudly! By wearing a yellow ribbon, you can help start the conversation that so desperately needs to be had. By calling attention to the cause and by inciting meaningful conversation, you are helping to spread awareness. Explain to people why you are wearing your yellow ribbon and help others to understand Endometriosis Awareness Month.

We talk a lot about community at ShoreBread, and as always, we encourage you to help out in whatever capacity you feel comfortable. Something as simple as spreading awareness goes a long way in battling chronic diseases like endometriosis.