July was National Fibroid Awareness in several cities and states, and Houston has joined that group now, which is something we're very excited about. So, in recognition of her efforts, we honor Tamika Gray Valburn, founder of The White Dress Project. For years, Tanika suffered with fibroids. Her mom lost two sets of twins because of her own fibroids. But even with the family history, Tamika didn't make the connection to her own diagnosis!
In fact, Valburn's fibroids were diagnosed in her late teens. At that point, she'd experienced years of painful symptoms. “You just think it will skip a generation,” she's explained in interviews. “When you’re young, you’re not thinking it will be your story as well.” But, like so many women, Valburn discovered that fibroids do tend to run in families.
Because Valburn's fibroids triggered heavy periods, she "learn[ed] how to pad myself [to keep from leaking through clothes.] I know the whole formula—what kind of underwear to wear, what kind of tights, what kind of Spanx. I’ve tried and tested everything. It’s become a way of life.” But that wasn't her only symptom. She also experienced bloating, pain, and a heavy emotional burden.
Eventually, Tanika surgically removed 27 fibroids from her uterus. After her recovery, she wanted to help other women. So, in 2014, Tanika earned a Georgia state representative's support in declaring July as Fibroid Awareness Month. The goal? Helping women get the crucial health information they need. After all, as she says, “Many Black women discover they have fibroids later in life, often after enduring years of heavy bleeding, painful menstrual cycles, fertility struggles, and other related issues. We must stop normalizing symptoms that we often contribute to ‘being a woman.” Furthermore, she notes, “Prioritizing awareness and education about fibroids in the Black community is a critical step in breaking down barriers to proper care, advocating for equitable access to healthcare resources, and ultimately improving the well-being of Black women everywhere.”
But she didn’t stop there. Tanika realized that she never bought white clothing. She said, “It’s a simple thing. Like, who cares, why not just wear black? But I love clothes, and the fact that I had to sacrifice wearing white for these benign tumors—I wasn’t feeling it.”
That same year, Tanika founded the White Dress Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fibroid awareness, supporting research, and bringing together a community of women who work to empower one another. After all, this is crucial. According to the CDC, one in three women will have a hysterectomy by the time she turns 60. But, according to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 18.3% of those hysterectomies aren't medically necessary. So, why do women have these surgeries? They don't know about other options!
That's where Tanika and her project want to make a difference. And they've made white dresses their symbol, as it signified a major milestone in Tanika’s recovery: the moment she could rock a white dress without any fear. (Because minimally invasive surgery helped resolve her painful fibroid symptoms.) Now, the white dress has become a symbol of strength and power to other women dealing with fibroids. And it's just one more step in the crucial fight to take control of women's menstrual health issues. Especially for Black women like Tanika, who are disproportionately at risk for avoidable hysterectomies. And for the serious complications that often come with open surgery.
As doctors involved in the daily battle against fibroids, we salute Tanika, our forever #WCW. We invite all women who are dealing with fibroids to slip on their white dresses and take control of their health by learning more about UFE, a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids!
Sources: The White Dress Project, Healio Primary Care
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