Addressing the Financial Burden of Fibroid Treatment
Khaleelah I. L. Harris and Yasmine Griffiths, two young women from Washington, D.C., have joined forces to tackle a critical issue affecting Black women across the country: the high cost of fibroid treatment. After facing the challenges of fibroid surgery herself, Harris, an art curator and entrepreneur, realized how many women struggle to afford these necessary procedures. This personal experience, combined with Griffiths’ medical training at Howard University, led to the creation of “The Beauty of Our Wellness,” a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Black women cover the expenses associated with fibroid treatment.
The non-profit provides $500 micro-grants to assist with the costs of fibroid treatment, which often involve expensive surgeries and ongoing care. The organization aims to ease the financial burden on Black women, who are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroids. Harris and Griffiths’ shared vision is to offer immediate support while also working toward broader reproductive health initiatives in the future.
The Personal Struggles That Sparked a Mission
Khaleelah Harris’ journey with fibroids began when she realized the true cost of reproductive health services. After needing a myomectomy—a surgery to remove painful fibroids—Harris discovered that even with insurance, she faced thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. This revelation made her think of the countless other women who might not have the financial means to access the care they need.
“I just thought to myself, Oh, my goodness, what are people who are low income doing?” Harris shared. Her concern extended beyond herself to the many others who struggle to afford these necessary treatments. Fibroids, which are non-cancerous tumors, can cause severe symptoms, including excessive bleeding and pain. For many women, surgical removal is the best option, but it comes at a steep price.
As her surgery date approached, Harris was faced with a $10,000 bill, which led her to partner with her friend Yasmine Griffiths to address this issue on a larger scale. Griffiths, a fourth-year medical student, had learned about fibroids in school, but seeing Harris’ struggle brought a new urgency to the issue.
Creating a Non-Profit for Immediate Impact
“The Beauty of Our Wellness” was born from a shared desire to help others in similar situations. The non-profit’s main focus is providing financial assistance through rapid response micro-grants, which are meant to alleviate the immediate financial strain that comes with fibroid treatment. While their long-term goals include broader reproductive health support, Harris and Griffiths are committed to addressing the immediate challenges faced by Black women with fibroids.
“I know firsthand how much having fibroids can affect one’s life,” Harris said, reflecting on her own experience. Her largest fibroid grew to the size of a small peach, adding to the physical and emotional toll of managing daily responsibilities while dealing with such a condition.
Griffiths also feels a deep connection to the cause, describing their work as a calling. She emphasized the importance of not just having conversations about fibroids but creating spaces for continued dialogue and support. “When we come together to address this issue that touches so many of us, we can all help each other heal,” she said.
Building Awareness and Raising Funds
To further their mission, Harris and Griffiths recently hosted The Beauty of Our Wellness Awareness Luncheon & Fundraiser. The event featured presentations from Black women OBGYNs, testimonies from former myomectomy patients, and fine art from the Wright Family Collection. This event was not just a fundraiser but a platform to raise awareness about fibroids and the impact they have on Black women.
