Endometriosis Awareness - Members Story

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I rise today on the first day of Endometriosis Awareness Month to share the story of Faith Lamoureux of Dartmouth. For years Faith lived in excruciating pain, ignored by doctors and believing that she must be dying. A large lump appeared on her back in her early 20s and a walk-in clinic doctor, her only option with no family doctor, dismissed her, suggesting that she gain weight. Faith says that: Every doctor I saw asked if I was on my period and it was infuriating.

Years later she passed out in pain on the street and after hours in the ER was diagnosed with endometriosis. The lump was gone. Two massive endometrial cysts had ruptured. The doctor in the ER couldn't offer much support, saying they didn't know anything about endometriosis. In 2023 Faith had the surgery she needed but because of the disease's progression, she needed major abdominal surgery and a hysterectomy.

Faith is able to live without pain today and doesn't want anyone to have to face what she did - almost a decade of debilitating pain. I ask all members to join me in thanking Faith for being here today and for sharing her story.