The mission of The White Dress Project
The purpose of The White Dress Project (TWDP) is to spread awareness on a global scale about the widespread occurrence of uterine fibroids. We aim to achieve this by promoting education, fostering research, building a supportive community, and advocating for better health. Our efforts are focused on educating individuals on fibroids and the available treatment options, collaborating on crucial research, empowering a united community to advocate for their improved health, and ending the silent suffering associated with fibroids.
As a non-profit organization, primarily made up of women with impactful fibroid journeys, we are uniquely positioned to educate, empower, and support those who are managing life with fibroids. Our work is actualized through our vibrant community, scientific and clinical research, and our advisory council of health practitioners, who are leaders within the field. Our community is our north star and guiding force as we work to create an environment where their health concerns are believed, all their options are accessible, and where community, research, advocacy, and science intersect.
Most women with fibroids do not like to wear white because of the heavy bleeding related to the condition. The “white dress” is not a fashion statement but a movement. It is an emblem of hope and strength for women who are suffering from fibroids and a reminder that we will find a cure.
Despite their prevalence, fibroids have been left out of the national conversation on women’s health.
80% of African-American and 70% of White women will be diagnosed with fibroids by the age of 50
171 million worldwide are suffering with fibroids
The lack of dialogue and the misinformation that exists on fibroids prompted the creation of a platform for other women who are going through the same thing. The White Dress Project has fostered a community of empowered and informed people, who are forever united through shared experiences. Too many women with fibroids suffer in silence due to the guilt, stigma, and shame associated with the symptoms of this condition which include heavy menstrual bleeding which can lead to severe anemia, pelvic pain, bloating, and fertility challenges.
We empower women to share their stories to help break down the walls of silence and to shatter the stigma and demystify the myths around fibroids.
The White Dress Project partnered with NowThis News, Oprah Winfrey's OWN Your Health Initiative, and Hologic to highlight the disparities that exist in prevalence, treatment, care and access when it comes to uterine fibroids.
Impact
The organization has created and sustained a platform for awareness, education, and support for those managing life with fibroids.
The White Dress Project has hosted educational community events around the country to share accurate information about fibroids.
Through these efforts, we have reached over 120,000 women since the inception of the organization in 2014.
We have taken our awareness efforts to the halls of Congress and local legislative bodies across the country earning July official designation as Fibroid Awareness Month across the country.