💛 March is Endometriosis Awareness Month 💛

People with endometriosis are called warriors for a reason. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people in Canada and is a multi-organ disease. It can be extremely painful and affects work, family and social life. There is no cure. The patient experience is often plagued by delays in diagnosis, stigma, misinformation, complex chronic pain and a long journey to effective treatment.

In 2020 the BC Women’s Health Foundation released as report called The Research Divide, which highlighted what we all know to be true. Women’s health research is funded less often, for shorter terms, and for lower funding amounts. For endometriosis specifically it is even more dismal.

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My story: I have been suffering from Stage IV Severe Endometriosis for over 10 years now. I have gone through multiple surgeries, organ removal, years and years of a multitude of treatments, and so much more. My most recent surgery was in Atlanta, Georgia, USA with world renowned surgeon Ken Sinervo, as my case of Endometriosis was deemed inoperable by top Endometriosis specialists in Canada. Dr. Sinervo's level of excision surgery is currently not offered in Canada, and this surgery is what saved my life. Without it, I was going into organ failure, and my health was declining every day; while I suffered in 10/10 pain.

While I have a long way to go on my healing journey, this surgery has allowed me to have days without excruciating pain for the first time in a decade. This surgery saved my life. I dream of a world one day where all women, everywhere, have access to life-saving surgery and educated care teams.

I feel so called to raise awareness for this cause as it is so personal to me. For each and every Endometriosis Awareness Soy Wax Candle sold, all proceeds will be donated to this important cause. 💛

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I started making soy wax candles when I realized the paraffin wax candles and some of the other popular candles out there were bringing toxins into my home that were making me sick. These toxins and chemicals were enough to trigger a severe flare-up of my endometriosis symptoms!

As I began making these natural soy wax candles candles, I fell in love with the process. It has actually become therapeutic for me. I love having something to put my energy into (and distract me on high pain days). Working with the natural wax and the essential oils is so soothing and makes my home feel serene.

This month we have launched our Endometriosis Awareness Soy Wax Candles. I am so excited for this Endometriosis Awareness campaign as I feel like I am doing something within my ability to both raise awareness and to raise funds for endometriosis research in Canada; specifically, The BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis.

If you wish to make a greatly appreciated donation directly to my journey and medical costs, I have a campaign set up to take donations here.

- Kayla Rennie, Owner, Kay's Collection