Bloggers Unite for EndoMarch: Week 10 - Reflection

It was incredible.  Simply incredible.

The day began with the Educational Symposium at Mellon Auditorium.  It was absolutely beautiful and very elegant.  I loved hearing all the doctors speak and the panel discussion afterward.  One doctor estimated there could be a blood test (or possibly a similar non-invasive test) to detect endometriosis within two to five years!  We heard about how different organizations are doing research for the disease, and it was amazing to actually see the people who are trying to find us a cure!

Dr. Camran Nezhat, celebrity of the day
and one of the main sponsors and founders.

Some of the doctors who spoke.

After the symposium, I headed to the site of the Call to Action ceremony on the National Mall...

It was impressive.

All four Doctors Nezhat spoke, as did other doctors and a few celebrities.  The patient testimonials were very emotional for me.  I cannot believe what some endosisters have been through and how strong they are.  One woman spoke of how she'd had 18 surgeries!  Just... wow.  If I'm not mistaken (which it's possible I am... the cold messed with my brain that day!) she was also the one to have endo on her lungs!  Unbelievable.

Doctors Ceana, Farr and Azadeh Nezhat,
sponsors and founders of the event.

After a performance by Sheryl Crow...

...it was time to march!  And march we did.  Down the mall, across and down the streets and back to Mellon Auditorium.  How incredible it was to be surrounded by so many endosisters and their supporters!

We marched to raise awareness.  We marched to "empower, educate and effect."

Because it's

Because we are powerful women and together we have endless amounts of

With this march we let the world know that we will no longer accept the pain from endometriosis.  We will not tolerate having our disease disregarded and our pain dismissed.  We will no longer keep quiet and will be our own advocates for health.

We will never let go of our

http://www.millionwomenmarch2014.org/