Taking Endometriosis Out of the Darkness

Nancy Petersen or Nurse Nancy started the first LAPEX program in the nation with David Redwine in Bend Oregon in 1985. The clinic quickly developed into an international patient base. While she is retired now, her pervasive voice in endometriosis is never quiet. She teaches online in Nancy’s Nook for Endometriosis Care on Facebook. It is a board of 70,000+ members –all seeking better care for their endometriosis having failed all gynecology has to offer except expert excision of disease. Nancy's vision of educating the person with endometriosis drives the Endometriosis Summit forward but she will not be present in Hoboken in New Jersey in March. However, it is her mission to educate patients that is part of our inspiration for the event. She writes:
For the first time in years, I think the darkness is beginning to dissipate with regards to endometriosis. This is made possible by committed physicians who have educated themselves and discovered that suffering does not have to continue. Physicians, in particular endometriosis excision specialists, have come to understand the suffering is real. They are now sharing that with others. The validation this brings to the people with endometriosis cannot be underestimated. 
Years of being disbelieved has left a sad imprint on these patients. Peritoneal quality pain is very difficult with which to cope alone. Quality Excision Specialists bring hope that relief is in sight. But, it is time to make excision accessible to all with better standards of care and with better training. The programs available to train surgeons, not only minimally invasive surgery skills, but the key components of the true picture of endometriosis are turning the tide. People with endometriosis deserve no less, and it needs to be more widely available. 
I am reminded of two female pioneer’s inspiring words as I continue my work in the Nook. First, Margaret Mead PHD Cultural Anthropologist 1904-1978 said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. This is so true as the voice of the people with the disease and the advocates continue to speak up and speak out to incur change in endometriosis. The Endometriosis Summit will showcase the importance of the patient’s voice. 
Second, when asked why simple changes took so long to take effect, 
Sister Kenny an Australian nurse who changed the course of rehabilitation of polio patients world wide replied: “When we speak with the voice of authority, we come to believe we are the authority”. 
At The Endometriosis Summit and beyond it is the voice of the people with the disease and the practitioners that toil so hard to treat properly that will change our future. 
Tickets for The Endometriosis Summit on sale: www.theendometriosissummit.com

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