For peaches in pain.

Finally, we advocate for the rights and well-being of individuals by driving research advancements, promoting policy changes and health equity, and fostering community awareness.

We warmly welcome everyone, standing by your side to ensure you never face these challenges alone.

Say hello to our featured 'Peach of the Month'!

Kristi's Story

About four years ago, I went to the doctor for my routine Well Women exam. Before my appointment, I knew something had been off in my body, so I was prepared to ask questions about what it might be. During the exam, my doctor agreed something was different after pressing down on my stomach (a routine part of the exam). I was a week away from taking the comprehensive exam as one of the final steps to completing my doctoral studies. We decided after focusing on my test that I’d get an ultrasound to find out more about what was going on.

The next few months are kind of a blur. I received an ultrasound, which indicated I possibly had a fibroid and a cyst. I next scheduled surgery and received an MRI, which, coupled with bloodwork, determined I likely had two very large cysts that were possible endometriomas. I had laparoscopic surgery to remove what did turn out to be endometriomas. I woke up, and as the nurse greeted me, I immediately asked if he was able to save my ovaries. The doctor had promised he would try to save them because I have not yet had kids. After confirming I still had ovaries, I was notified that I also had stage 4 endometriosis.

Since then, I have done copious amounts of research (by nature, I'm a researcHER) on endometriosis and how I can taper my symptoms. I have made lifestyle changes, including changing my diet, exercise routine, and the supplements I take; I have also tried alternatives to Western medicine.

I can’t say it gets easier, but I feel stronger each day. The hardest part is the likely infertility, but everything in gratitude, so I am blessed to have two beautiful nieces and an amazing nephew that my sisters graciously share with me. I also spend my days working in schools, so I get to be surrounded by kids and their shenanigans daily. I am blessed to be a blessing doing the work I love each day, and this is just a chapter in my story, not the whole book.

"We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated."

- Maya Angelou