As a thirty year old woman living with Cerebral Palsy, I am continuing to become acutely aware of my healthcare needs as they pertain to the field of gynecology. I am deeply proud to be an integral of the invaluable and much needed collaborative initiative between the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and our featured partners. Our concerted efforts will literally save and forever alter the lives of women with Cerebral Palsy. This initiative is as exciting as it is innovative. Prior to becoming involved with CPF, I was extremely apprehensive to address my gynecological needs. The physical machination of undergoing and completing the exam terrified me. Doctors did not engage in necessary dialogue and discussion with me because they saw me as “my diagnosis” and not the woman I am. No one but myself and my family even cogitated about the vital necessity of gynecological care.

My first exposure to this topic is derived from my relationship with my twin sister, Elizabeth. She is a non-verbal woman living with severe Cerebral Palsy and profound developmental impairments. Caring for Elizabeth during menstruation continues to be a driving force behind my involvement with the initiative. The comprehensive treatment and maintenance of healthcare related to gynecology has become increasingly prevalent in mainstream media over the last two decades. Prior to my involvement with this initiative women’s health for Elizabeth was not even thought of as necessary to be addressed by her staff of medical professionals. Now, Elizabeth and I, and thousands of women like us, can lead healthier and fully enriched lives.

Healthcare and gynecology create a spectrum of issues and potential problems which if left untreated, can lead to unnecessary painful on physical and emotional levels. Menstruation is an integral part of what allows a girl to become a woman. Women with Cerebral Palsy will now have the invaluable opportunity to collaborative with and psychoeducate medical professionals on each aspect of how Cerebral Palsy can adversely or positively impact their gynecological care. The root of all progress is education. Instead of fearing a visit to the gynecologist, women can now have positive experience which will keep them coming back. The significance of this initiative is immeasurable. The effectiveness of the initiative will be empirically observed when Elizabeth, myself and countless others continue to receive dignified, person-centered, gynecological care throughout the lifespan. The educative process started within the initiative will continue to allow for effective advocacy and awareness raising efforts. These efforts and the funding they will generate are not mutually exclusive to gynecological care for women with Cerebral Palsy. For the first time in far too long, thanks directly to the initiative and the generous support of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, the 100 Women in Hedge Funds and our four partnering academic institutions, women will receive the invaluable opportunity to experience and undergo diagnostic procedures and preventative medicine. It is safe to say, that in future years the Women’s Health Initiative will literally save and prolong life.