Endometriosis sufferers bare all in fundraising calendar
BRAVE Guernsey women have bared all in the hope of raising awareness for a condition that often slips under the radar.
Affecting one in 10 women, endometriosis symptoms often get swept under the rug and passed off as general period pains, said one islander with the condition, Phoebe Lewis.
‘It depends on the woman, but often people have severe pains on their period and generally throughout the month, pain during sex, some have bloating, discomfort and even infertility, but often it goes undiagnosed and there can be quite a bit of shame around speaking out because people think it’s just normal period pains.’
Miss Lewis came across a post on an endometriosis support group from a woman in Canada who wanted to create a calendar with women all over the world to raise awareness of the condition and show how many people live with it everyday.
‘As well as raising money, the calendar aims to show women who have endometriosis that they are beautiful and should still be confident, even though some of the symptoms can make you feel the opposite.’
She arranged for a group of women in a Guernsey endometriosis support group to get together, with the help of photographer Estelle Moseley, and take a photo for the calendar which showed not only their beauty but the natural beauty of Guernsey as well.
A bunch of sunflowers was donated for the shoot by Tussie Mussie Flowers to align with the iconic symbol used by many endometriosis charities.
‘The sunflower idea came about because one woman said “in darkness sunflowers always grow towards the light” which I think is a lovely message,’ Miss Lewis said.
Photoshoots for the calendar have already taken place in Canada and Guernsey, with US and UK pictures pending.
Miss Lewis is helping to put the calendar together and said she was inspired to take part because proceeds will go towards endometriosis support charities.
‘There’s no cure at the moment so lots of charities work on getting endo-education into school the curriculum and educate employers so they are aware of the issue.’
Taking part in the calendar shoot was Tracey O’Neill who was diagnosed with endometriosis in 2015 following emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction caused by endo adhesions.
‘I’ve been a member of the Guernsey endo support group on Facebook since the start of the year and was inspired to take part in the photo having heard first-hand about how endo has affected the lives of so many women.
‘Having the photo taken was good fun and as the publicity has already prompted another 12 ladies to join our group in the last 24 hours – it makes the early morning start and any nerves more than worthwhile.’
Islanders with the condition can join the Endometriosis & Me (Guernsey) Facebook page for support and advice.
