Two young women are tackling a major health issue affecting Black women. Khaleelah I. L. Harris and Yasmine Griffiths have started a non-profit called “The Beauty of Our Wellness”. Their goal? To help Black women pay for expensive fibroid treatments.
Addressing the High Cost of Fibroid Treatment
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus. They affect Black women more than other groups. Treatment can be very expensive, often costing thousands of dollars.
Harris experienced this firsthand. When she needed surgery to remove her fibroids, she was shocked by the cost. “As I moved closer and received my first surgery date, the bill was $10,000 out of pocket,” Harris explains.
This experience made her realize how difficult it must be for women without good insurance or with low incomes to get treatment.
Two Friends Join Forces to Make a Difference
Harris teamed up with her friend Yasmine Griffiths, a medical student at Howard University. Together, they created “The Beauty of Our Wellness”.
Their non-profit offers $500 micro-grants to women who need help paying for fibroid treatment. While this may seem small, it can make a big difference for many women struggling with medical bills.
“When in medical school, we learned about fibroids, but seeing it firsthand with a friend really makes it feel more urgent,” Griffiths told ESSENCE magazine.
The Personal Impact of Fibroids
Harris knows from experience how fibroids can affect daily life. Her largest fibroid grew to the size of a small peach.
“I know firsthand how much having fibroids can affect one’s life,” Harris said. “To have to deal with everything that comes along with that on top of handling daily responsibilities is a lot for anyone to handle.”
Raising Awareness and Funds
The friends recently held a fundraiser and awareness event. It included art displays, talks by Black women OBGYNs, and stories from women who had fibroid surgery.
Griffiths sees their work as a calling. “I think it’s necessary not just to have the conversations, but to make space for them to continue,” she said. “When we come together to address this issue that touches so many of us, we can all help each other heal.”
Looking to the Future
While their current focus is on providing quick financial help, Harris and Griffiths have bigger plans. They hope to expand their support for reproductive health in the future.
Their work is bringing attention to an important health issue. By helping women afford treatment, “The Beauty of Our Wellness” is making a real difference in many lives.
