Our 2020 Charity: Endometriosis UK

At last week’s virtual Launch Party, the committee announced our charity for this year’s Smutathon: Endometriosis UK!

We all know there’s no shortage of charities and non-profits to support. Last year, Smutathon supported a United States-based organization, the National Network of Abortion Funds. As a transatlantic event, we’re bouncing back over to the UK for 2020 and focusing our efforts on a charity that provides support, education, and community for people living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a chronic, debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Around 1 in 10 people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB) have endometriosis—that’s 1.5 million in the UK alone. Despite endometriosis’ prevalence, it’s an oft-misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition, and it takes an average of 7.5 years to receive a diagnosis.

Many people suffering from gynecological conditions are told their pain is imaginary, particularly Black and brown people, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ people. Waiting over seven years for a diagnosis is simply unacceptable. The Smutathon Committee wants to support Endometriosis UK’s quest to ensure that everyone with endometriosis has the answers, treatment, and compassionate medical care they need and deserve. Keep reading for more about Endometriosis UK!

Endometriosis UK helps people with endometriosis take back control of their lives.

Their Vision

Endometriosis UK wants to improve the lives of people affected by endometriosis and work towards a future where it has the least possible impact on those living with the condition.

Their Mission

• To help people overcome the impact endometriosis can have on individual lives;
• For everyone to have the right to fast, appropriate care, support, and treatment; and
• For all of society to fully understand endometriosis and its impact and to be aware of the work of Endometriosis UK.

Their Values

• To provide the highest quality support;
• To empower people to help themselves;
• To be the best source of information on endometriosis;
• To work in an open, transparent, ethical, and accountable manner;
• To recognize and respect the value and diversity of all; and
• To appreciate the skills, expertise, and commitment of Endometriosis UK’s members, staff, and volunteers.

Endometriosis UK receives very little funding and relies on donations and annual memberships to sustain their work. We’re getting an early start this year and hope to blow past our initial fundraising goal of £3000. Donate to our fundraising page by clicking the button below!