Fibroids are mysterious growth that affects women as early as age 15 and affect Black women 3x more than other ethnicities. With an unknown cause, many women may not know where to turn which is why advocate LaToya Dwight uses her intersectionality of insurance expertise and a personal fibroid journey to help others save their uterus through her platform The Fibroid Pandemic. With their second annual Run F.A.R 5K Walk/Run and panel discussion on July 14-15, 2023, is helping women take ownership of their bodies. 

 Fighting A Silent Epidemic

The Fibroid Pandemic Founder LaToya Dwight’s Fibroid journey was an unexpected one after a routine check-up with her OB/GYN. She vividly recalls going in for her contraception maintenance, when her doctor couldn’t locate her IUD. After being referred to an ultrasound specialist, not only did they find her IUD, but they found fibroids. She later found herself taken aback after her doctor failed to educate her on her diagnosis and quickly recommended a hysterectomy.

After a separate visit to get her IUD replaced, she started to hemorrhage during the procedure; and again, without proper care from her physician, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She would try different diets, yoga, breathing exercises, and other holistic practices and research other treatments before she found a solution that would work best for her– Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also referred to as uterine artery embolization. LaToya explains it’s a procedure consisting of cutting the blood supply to the artery that feeds the fibroid. 

Her Calling 

The testimony she shared on her Facebook would go on to spark a movement after she received an influx of engagement from others who have or know someone who had a battle with fibroids. LaToya shares she felt a sense of discernment and knew it was something bigger than herself. She went on to brainstorm with her husband and later consulted with a friend who helped her realize her mission rather quickly. LaToya states, “I knew that I was supposed to help humans with a uterus by providing tools and resources for them to make their own decision on what they feel is in their best interest …I knew no matter which way I went it would be led by God.”’

The Fibroid Pandemic: A Stride Towards Awareness

Founded in 2020, The Fibroid Pandemic is a resource community dedicated to helping Black Women living with uterine fibroids. The holistic platform provides women with natural products and foods as well as connects them with healthcare providers to help assist on their fibroid healing journey. LaToya is big on interactive education, and she provides several masterclasses and events throughout the year– including their highly praised annual Run F.A.R. 5K Run/Walk. 

July: Fibroid Awareness Month

The debut event became the first fibroid 5K walk/run in North America, garnering twenty-five sponsorships from major companies including Radio One, The Honey Pot Co., and New York Life. The success of the event is continuing this July.

The two-day event features The Fibroid Brunch Panel Discussion featuring ten health and wellness experts providing sound solutions and remedies for healing oneself on July 14th and the Run F.A.R. 5K Run/Walk happening on July 15th. Participants can join in person or virtually with a self-guided 5K. Others can give registration to others or be a ghost or phantom participant who registers without participating. No matter how you decide to participate, everyone will receive a t-shirt and participation medal.

A portion of the proceeds will go to Pad The Pandemic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to help eliminate period poverty and unnecessary hysterectomies.

LaToya’s Mark

She wants people to remember her passion and how she made them feel when they could relate to her and her fibroid journey. “I want people to remember that I am a relentless fibroid advocate, and I’ll do it to the day I die as long as God guides my steps.” 

Learn more about the Fibroid Pandemic below:

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