OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to debunk the myths that surround Endometriosis and to bring together New Jersey women with Endometriosis to uplift and empower one another, while fighting for equality in healthcare.
Our Founder
Isabella Upton is a New Jersey high school student from Monmouth County with a passion for healthcare. When Isabella was diagnosed with Endometriosis, it changed the entire trajectory of what she has known. Doctors repeatedly dismissed her until one day, a doctor just knew something was not right. Isabella is the recipient of the ‘Congress of Future Medical Leaders “Award of Excellence” for the State of New Jersey, (2023), Isabella is a volunteer EMT for her community, and plans on earning a degree in Medicine/Public Health.
BELLA’s JOURNEY
“I recently got my official diagnosis. Since I was 11 years old, I have always struggled with menstruation pain and discomfort. Some days would be so bad, I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. I thought this wouldn’t hinder my academic success until this year. I was pulled into the office by the dean of my high school, and was told I wouldn’t receive credit for my classes because of the days I had left early due to discomfort from my menses. I was in utter disbelief that a visit to my gynecologist was no longer an excused absence. I am calling on the State of NJ, and the NJ Department of Education to make a change to these laws, and policies, No period pain should hinder academic excellence.”
WHAT IS ENDOMETRIOSIS?
Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause severe pain in the pelvis and make it harder to get pregnant.
Endometriosis can start at a person’s first menstrual period and last until menopause.
With endometriosis, tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region and (rarely) elsewhere in the body.
The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There is no known way to prevent endometriosis. There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.
It causes a chronic inflammatory reaction that may result in the formation of scar tissue (adhesions, fibrosis) within the pelvis and other parts of the body.
COMMUNITY
The New Jersey Endometriosis Project had the pleasure of visiting the Mercy Center of Asbury Park, NJ. We had hosted a feminine hygiene product drive at several locations throughout Monmouth County to donate to the Mercy Center to continue our mission of uplifting females of New Jersey.
“Period products are often expensive. You can pay up to $10.58 a box. While on the other hand, you can walk into Planned Parenthood for a condom for free. While that’s a great resource, sex can be avoided- and a period cannot.” - Isabella V, U. Founder
The Mercy Center of NJ serves up to 142 families daily at their food bank. These products will help assist a female in need.
LET’S CONNECT.
