The Endometriosis Foundation’s House of Lords launch party

Endometriosis is as common as asthma and diabetes.  

Although it’s a condition that’s prevalent in women, awareness remains muted compared to the problems mentioned above and a diagnosis can take years. 

This makes the work of The Endometriosis Foundation not only essential but life-saving. 

Lord it over 

After a personal battle with the condition, Carla Cressy started The Endometriosis Foundation in 2018. 

Her official diagnosis came over 10 years after the first obvious symptoms of endometriosis. A major factor that delays the diagnosis of this condition is that female health remains a largely taboo subject. 

Asthma and diabetes don’t rely on an average eight-year wait for a diagnosis, so if endometriosis is just as common, this staggering waiting time is clearly unacceptable. 

The condition affects approximately 10% of the female population worldwide, yet it’s severely underfunded, under-researched and poorly treated. 

After eight serious operations and undergoing surgically induced menopause at the age of just 29, Carla’s life has been seriously impacted by the condition. 

Her journey led to the creation of The Endometriosis Foundation which aims to spread awareness so that this widespread condition can receive widespread treatment. 

Carla officially launched her charity at the House of Lords on Tuesday the 7th of March 2023. 

Surrounded by peers 

As the snow fell outside, the launch couldn’t have been met by a warmer room filled with excitement and positivity.  

After passing through policed checkpoints, metal detectors and armed security, the Attlee Room beckoned our presence.

The party was staged in the iconic room, centred by a proud portrait bordered with a bold, gold frame of the namesake wartime Prime Minister. 

Chairs, trustees, doctors, MP’s, health experts and innovators, and of course Carla, all gathered to celebrate the launch with stories to share of their connection to the cause. 

Deeply missed 

A hugely influential figure in the growth of this charity was the late great Sir David Amess, the former MP for Southend-West, who was a chair and trustee of the foundation. 

The Endometriosis Foundation hopes to continue the legacy that Sir David was so passionate about getting started. 

Such was David’s influence, his name was one of the first mentioned during a speech in the Attlee Room by the current MP for Southend-West, Anna Firth. 

Under-studied, under-diagnosed and poorly treated 

Endometriosis affects more than one in ten females worldwide. 

It occurs when cells that make up the lining of the interior of the uterus are found on the outside. During a woman’s period, these abnormal cells bleed, similarly to the normal cells inside the uterus.  

However, when these abnormal cells bleed, it can cause inflammation, irritation, the formation of scar tissue, bleeding, cysts, pelvic pain and debilitating symptoms, some of which can interfere with, and unfortunately preclude fertility in women.   

Symptoms can range from moderate to severe. If left untreated, the results can be fatal. 

In the UK, a diagnosis for the condition on average will take eight years. This is for something as common as asthma and diabetes. 

Imagine an asthmatic waiting eight years for their inhaler.  

What would happen if a diabetic was made to wait eight years for an insulin shot? 

Previously, surgery would mean a large incision across the abdomen. However, with modern technology, such as that produced by Storz, a small incision can be made the size of one’s belly button. 

This less invasive procedure leaves women with significantly less scarring while also being a much easier operation to carry out. 

England women’s football captain, Leah Williamson, who led the nation to its first major trophy since 1966, has publicly shared her personal story with endometriosis. 

She told Women’s Health UK: “I’m pretty sure if men had periods we would have figured out a way to stop them by now without doing any damage.” 

Solopress leaves an impression 

To support the launch of The Endometriosis Foundation, Solopress provided print to amplify the message and provide some colour to the House of Lords. 

Carla was able to create an impact in the Attlee Room with two Roller Banners in the bright pink scheme that the foundation endorses. 

There was also a Sign with the message: ‘Together we can make a difference to the lives of people with Endometriosis’. 

More print is now on the way to the charity, which takes on The Fertility Show in May. 

Flyers and Brochures brimmed with essential information and Banners helped to capture the audience’s attention. With her printed material, Carla was able to spread awareness of her cause to an influential gathering of people at the London launch. 

If you need print to support your charity or business, don’t hesitate to check our ever-growing range that’s guaranteed to help your cause.