Contact: Nicole McCrimmon
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Established with the mission to eradicate uterine fibroids by amplifying and advocating for the unique voices of those affected, from menarche through menopause, the Fibroid Foundation envisions a future where women are liberated from the burdens of this affliction. We are dedicated to improving women’s healthcare worldwide, firmly committed to eradicating menstrual stigma that affects, restricts, and endangers women everywhere.
Founded by Sateria Venable, a patient advocate and researcher since 2007, the Foundation has advocated for the millions of women globally impacted by fibroids and menstrual stigmas. The Foundation reaches 181 countries, providing resources and education.
Our substantial network within the medical community enables us to champion the fight against fibroids through research, consistent advocacy, and community engagement, seeking legislative changes to advance our mission: to find a cure and improve the lives of women afflicted with fibroids.
In 2024, as we celebrated our 11th anniversary, we intensified our efforts to empower women, advance awareness, and drive change in how uterine fibroids are understood and treated. From community events to groundbreaking advocacy at the highest levels, our collective efforts have made a profound impact, expanding our reach, touching lives, and setting the stage for an even brighter future.
March: Advocacy and Awareness Take Center Stage during Women’s History Month
March was a pivotal month for the Fibroid Foundation. We began the year with our first Empowering U Event of 2024 in Baltimore. This in-person gathering connected women with two leading physicians to discuss emerging fibroid research and provide personalized advice, creating a vital space for education and support.
Simultaneously, our founder, Sateria Venable, took bold steps on the national stage. She addressed the National Academy of Sciences, ensuring that women’s voices remain central in the ongoing conversation about fibroid research and treatment. She further amplified these messages during her participation in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Sojourner Truth Legacy Project, advocating for patient-centered care and inclusivity in medical research.
One of the year’s most significant and memorable moments came when Sateria was invited to the White House to witness President Biden sign a historic Executive Order expanding and improving research on women’s health. This invitation symbolized national recognition of the critical work we’ve done to elevate the fibroid conversation to a matter of public health priority.
April: Launching a Lifeline for Women in Menopause
In April, we unveiled the Menopause Page on the Fibroid Foundation’s website, a resource that fills a critical gap in health education for women. Many women with fibroids enter perimenopause or menopause without clear guidance on how these life stages intersect with their condition. This page is a direct response to the voices in our community asking for comprehensive, science-based information about managing fibroids while navigating hormonal changes.
The Menopause Page has quickly become one of the most visited areas of our website, offering detailed insights on this stage of life that all women will experience. By addressing the specific needs of women at this stage of life, we’re equipping them with the knowledge to advocate for their health effectively and confidently.
May: Making Waves in Advocacy for Menstrual Health Awareness
May was a testament to our dedication to advocating for systemic change. On May 8th, we hosted a Congressional Briefing on Menstrual Health Awareness on Capitol Hill, bringing together policymakers, activists, and healthcare leaders. Representatives Grace Meng and Yvette D. Clarke introduced the Menstrual Health Awareness Month Resolution and spoke at the Congressional briefing. This event served as a call to action, urging Congress to increase funding for uterine fibroid research and ensure that menstrual health equity becomes a legislative priority.
Throughout the entire month, we stood alongside our founder as she continued to amplify our mission. At Walter Reed Army Medical Center, she addressed OBGYNs, highlighting the transformative power of the patient voice in shaping fibroid treatment outcomes.
Additionally, we stood with Congresswomen Brown and Clarke as they introduced the U-FIGHT Bill, a legislative effort aimed at improving funding and support for fibroid research and care.
June: The COEQUaL (NIH) fibroid study, and the launch of Fibroid Fridays in Collaboration with Mayo Clinic
In June, we partnered with the Mayo Clinic to launch Fibroid Fridays, an innovative social media campaign designed to deliver accurate, accessible, and actionable information about uterine fibroids. Every other week, we tackled pressing topics such as treatment options, emerging research, and the personal stories of women living with fibroids.
Fibroid Fridays quickly gained traction, reaching thousands since launching and sparking meaningful conversations about the condition. This collaboration with Mayo Clinic brings an unparalleled level of credibility to the campaign, and it is quickly becoming a trusted source of information. Through this initiative, we’ve empowered women to approach their doctors with confidence, armed with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their care.
July: Fibroid Awareness Month—Breaking Barriers Globally
Fibroid Awareness Month in July was a resounding success, centered around the theme “The Fibroid Maze.” The month highlighted the complexities women face in navigating fibroid care and featured an array of educational programs that tackled critical topics:
- Quality of Life: Offering tools and strategies to manage the emotional and physical toll of fibroids.
- Can Fibroids Mask Other Issues?: Educating women about how fibroids can sometimes obscure other health conditions.
- Pregnancy After Fibroid Surgery: Providing insights and hope for women planning to conceive after fibroid treatment.
- Fibroids After 40: Addressing unique challenges faced by women entering menopause with fibroids.
Additionally, we partnered with Organización para Chicas, a Mexican women’s health organization, to expand awareness of fibroids in Latin America. This groundbreaking collaboration allowed us to share our message with a global audience, emphasizing that fibroid care is a universal issue transcending borders and cultures.
Our digital programming for Fibroid Awareness Month reached record levels of engagement, with thousands tuning in for our online sessions and actively participating in discussions. This outreach has not only deepened our connection with our community but also inspired women worldwide to advocate for better care.
September: Celebrating 11 Years and Elevating the Conversation
In September, we celebrated our 11th anniversary, a milestone that allowed us to reflect on more than a decade of progress while reaffirming our commitment to the future. This anniversary was not just a celebration of our longevity but a testament to the resilience of the community we serve.
We also participated in the Menopause Society Annual Meeting, where our presence was instrumental in integrating fibroid care into broader conversations about women’s health. Our session was incredibly well attended and highlighted the importance of shared decision making to create better treatment outcomes for patients. Engaging with researchers, medical professionals, and policy advocates at this event allowed us to further amplify the patient voice, ensuring that the experiences of women with fibroids are at the forefront of healthcare innovation.
Beyond our physical presence, September also marked a renewed effort to build bridges between community advocacy and clinical research. By fostering partnerships with leading organizations and individuals, we are laying the groundwork for transformative advancements in fibroid care.
October: A Season of Outreach and Education
October was packed with impactful events, beginning with our participation in Spirit of Praise, where we connected with the Christian community to spread awareness about fibroids. We followed this with a live Q&A featuring Los Angeles based Candis Grace of Brown Girl Luxe, a candid conversation that empowered women to take control of their reproductive health.
At the White House Women’s Health Research Initiative, Sateria joined national leaders in critical discussions about advancing women’s health research. This meeting reinforced the need for more inclusive research and policy decisions that center women’s unique health challenges, including uterine fibroids.
The highlight of the year was the 2024 Fibroid Summit on October 26th. This in-person event in Washington, D.C., brought together researchers, doctors, and community members for a day of presentations, Q&A sessions, and a mosaic uterus affirmation activity that left attendees inspired and empowered.
Looking Forward: A Bold Vision for 2025
As we prepare for 2025, we’re taking on one of our biggest challenges yet: educating the medical community. Feedback from our community has made it clear that while we’ve empowered women with knowledge, many physicians lack the same understanding. We will also expand our global advocacy network to destigmatize menstruation.
Our efforts will include:
- Launching a physician resource portal
- Attending medical conferences to share the latest research.
- Developing targeted educational materials for doctors and hospitals.
- Hosting seminars to train healthcare providers on best practices for fibroid care.
This new focus does not mean we’re stepping away from the community that built us. We will continue hosting events, raising awareness, and providing support as we have for the past 11 years. But now, we’re doubling down on ensuring the medical community is equipped to provide the care women with fibroids deserve.
A Profound Year of Impact
- Thousands educated through in-person and online programs.
- Millions reached through global partnerships and social media campaigns.
- Policy influence advanced through Capitol Hill meetings and legislative efforts.
Thank You to Our Supporters
The Fibroid Foundation’s accomplishments in 2024 would not have been possible without your unwavering support. Together, we’ve made incredible strides in education, advocacy, and research, but our work is far from over.
As we embark on this next chapter, we ask for your continued support. Together, we can close the gaps in fibroid care, empower women worldwide, and ultimately find a cure.
Here’s to making 2025 a year of transformation.