USA Fibroid Centers was proud to sponsor the Fibroid Fighters Foundation’s “50 Shades of Purple” event at the Empire Steak House in Midtown Manhattan. The event was a huge success, with over 200 attendees, including notable fibroid ambassadors Cynthia Bailey, Kym Lee, and Malorie Bailey. Special guests included TT Torrez of WQHT Hot 97, Vice President of Artist/Talent Relations, who hosted the event, Keith Brown, and singer Lil’ Mo.
The event is part of USA Fibroid Centers’ efforts to raise awareness about uterine fibroids, a common health condition affecting 70% to 80% of women. Speakers shared their personal stories of living with fibroids, reminding attendees of the negative impact they can have.
Yan Katsnelson, M.D., Founder and CEO of USA Fibroid Centers and Fibroid Fighters Foundation, delivered the opening remarks. Dr. Katsnelson challenged the audience to make a difference in fibroid care and spoke on the importance of women knowing that nonsurgical treatment for fibroids is available.
“The reason hysterectomies are overperformed is women needing fibroid treatment are not aware of less drastic, nonsurgical options such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), “said Dr. Katsnelson. “If a woman does not want a hysterectomy, she should not be forced to have one.”
“We need to stand up for women’s rights and ensure they have access to the best possible care for fibroids,” Dr. Katsnelson emphasized. “We can make a difference by raising awareness about fibroids and demanding that our elected officials take action.”
Dr. Katsnelson encouraged the New York audience to prioritize fibroid care, pointing to Florida as an example, where a bill was enacted earlier this year to create and manage an electronic database of information relating to uterine fibroids.
The evening began with the importance of understanding how fibroid pain impacts every aspect of a woman’s mental health and well-being. Fibroid Fighter advocates Eugenia Buie and Coach Ella Destiny jump started the conversation, noting that the mental health impact of fibroids can be significant. Women with fibroids are more likely to experience stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may also have difficulty in their relationships, both personal and professional.
Jacob White, M.D., Director of Fibroid Services at USA Fibroid Centers, spoke about the genetic factor of fibroids. He was joined by T.V. reality stars and sisters Cynthia Bailey and Malorie Bailey, who shared their firsthand experiences with fibroids.
Cynthia and Malorie Bailey talked about how fibroids had affected their lives. They both experienced heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and difficulty managing their fibroid symptoms.
Kym Lee King and Coach Ella Destiny joined interventional radiologist Aaron Shiloh, M.D., and Flora Katsnelson, M.D., co-founder of Fibroid Fighters, to discuss how fibroids can affect sex and intimacy.
Highlights of the evening included a motivational presentation from Keith Brown (Mr. I’m Possible), who got the audience chanting the fibroid awareness mantra: we motivate, we elevate, we educate, we graduate. R&B sensation Lil’ Mo’s soulful singing and strong backbeat had the audience singing and dancing.
USA Fibroid Ambassador Kym Lee King was awarded the Fibroid Fighter’s Champion Award for her fibroid advocacy work. Past recipients include New York State Representative Yvette Clarke and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra H. Bolden. King hosts a monthly fibroid information program, Talk About “U,” – an initiative started by USA Fibroid Centers to encourage women to speak out and share their fibroid journeys.
The takeaway from the evening can be summed up with one phrase: Hysterectomies and other invasive treatments are not the only options. Women must know their options for non-invasive treatments to help them manage their fibroids and live healthy lives.
In addition to USA Fibroid Centers, event sponsors included Merit Medical, Planned Parenthood, Moore Promotions, United GMG, Antenna Satellite, USA Data, AMW PR, El Especialito, ReachTV, and Univision. Sponsor support helps improve treatment, research, and patient advocacy services.
“We were also thrilled to see so many people come out to support the cause,” said Dr. Katsnelson. “The event was an enormous success, and we are grateful to everyone who attended.”
