Vanessa & Debby – image copyright Sean Molin 2011

Please introduce yourselves! Who are you?

We consider ourselves to be researchers, teachers, authors and advocates for the vulva. However—because that title is a bit long—our business cards say that we are researcher scientists at the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University. We come from different disciplines but have both focused our research on understanding how women think and feel about their vulva/vaginas. In fact, we both did our dissertations on the vulva/vagina. We met at a conference in 2008 and were thrilled to be able to work together. We have since conducted a variety of research projects that we are very excited about. However, this book has been one of our proudest moments as it has allowed us to reach a more diverse audience. In short, we strive to be revulvationaries (we just made this word up but we like it)!

Tell us a little about Read My Lips:

The book still feels a little like a dream. When Vanessa first came to Indiana University, Debby and Vanessa sat down to create a ‘dream list’ of projects that they wanted to work on together. This book was at the top of the list. We are thankful that our publisher (Rowman & Littlefield) took a chance on us and we are so grateful. We think that Read My Lips represents our eclectic, quirky backgrounds. In addition to science-backed sex and health information, there are stories, quotes, quizzes and crafts (yes—we said crafts!) As researchers, we are proud to say that all the research is empirically-validated (and sometimes conducted within our own labs). However, while based on science, we wrote Read My Lips envisioning we were talking to our very best girlfriends. In a certain way, those who read RML are just that—dear friends through a love/appreciation/interest in the vulva.

What inspired you to write this book?

We have talked with A LOT of people over the past several years about vulvas/vaginas including colleagues, students, friends and family. While some are uncomfortable talking about it, most have been thankful for the opportunity to discuss/ask questions about a topic that is too often ignored. So, we wanted to write a book to give people accurate information and open conversations about the vulva/vagina. We wanted to write a book that would have something for every generation of women (and those who love/came from them).

Who should read this book and why?

We like to say that this book is for “anyone who has a vulva, loves someone with a vulva or has come from a vagina.” In other words, we are hopeful that it has a little something for everyone. Unfortunately, the vulva/vagina remains a topic that few people feel comfortable discussing. So, a lot of the information out there may not be accurate. However, the reason we wrote Read My Lips was not only to correct misperceptions (although we are certainly happy when it does); it was to provide readers a guide that would help them celebrate and learn to love their own and/or their partners’ bodies a little more.

What surprising facts did you discover when writing the book?

How much we had to say about vulvas! We talk about vulvas all day long but we nervous that we wouldn’t have enough to say to fill 300 pages. We were (very) wrong. It turns out we actually had to edit down the book once we were finished. Also, we interviewed 1000 men and women before we wrote the book. We weren’t necessarily surprised—but we were delighted—about how those responses helped us to continuously change our thoughts, feelings and beliefs about vulvas. We learn something new every time we talk to someone about their experiences such as how some women have come to love their vulvas and vaginas, sometimes in the face of very difficult situations.

Anything else?

We are thrilled to be able to donate a book in partnership with GladRags as we share the belief that women should care for and celebrate their bodies in ways that make them happy and healthy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The modern day woman has lost touch with her womb. She fills her body with toxins, has a poor diet, gets no rest, and is ashamed of her body. Growing up in a patriarchal society has taught us that we should be ashamed of our bodies, needs, and desires, but the truth is that women are strong and a dynamic force. Our womb is what makes us divinely feminine. When we re-awaken ourselves to our divine right, we empower ourselves as women. The evolved feminine walks the path of beauty. She regards herself and all life as sacred. She is sovereign unto herself and relies upon her intuition and wisdom.

As the daughter and priestess of Ix Chel, I felt that I had to include this for all the women who have forgotten the phrase “Thou art Goddess”. I know from experience what its like to suffer from a menses full of pain and my body behaving out of control.Until one day I said, “No more!” If I am a part of the Goddess, and the Goddess resides in me, then I should treat my body with love and respect. I should honor the vessel I have been given by the Goddess to walk around in this world. The womb is sacred, all powerful, and the seat of creativity to a woman.

Ix Chel is the great Mayan Goddess of the moon, water, healing, childbirth, fertility, creativity, and rebirth. She is known as the Great Mother to my people, but can be found in three aspects: Maiden, Mother, and Crone. It is She that causes the blood to gather so that it may flow with the passage of each month. She gave us the gifts of creativity, knowledge of healing, and the easing of childbirth. She takes care of the women of the Earth, especially those who are on their moon (menstruating), pregnant, or nursing. She is the type of Goddess who hears the pleas of her daughters and aids them when they are in need.

Ix Chel has much wisdom to teach us, but what we’ll be focusing on is loving your womb. Our womb is ruled by the sacral chakra. It is a place of sexuality and creativity. When it becomes unbalanced, you will start to notice that your emotions can run wild, inspiration will be blocked, fertility is impaired, and relationships will begin to form problems. Our womb is a holy container. It produces the moon blood that represents both life and death. Our blood can teach us a lot about our own health and warn you of illness. When was the last time you looked at your own blood? You should not shy away from it, or from looking at your own yoni; explore it.

It is our natural cycle that mimics the moon, which is why its known as a woman’s moon cycle in many native cultures. Ix Chel teaches us that our womb is sacred. Think about the immense power and strength that it holds, the potential for life that is strictly ours, the wonders of pleasure that we receive from it, and the fact that we can bleed for days and not die. Our body naturally cleanses itself and starts anew. You can use this period to cleanse yourself and your womb of any negativity.

Before I became pregnant, I would partake in a woman’s moon cycle ritual every month on the first night of my menses. On those nights, I would call on the Goddess and thank her for my fertility. I would ask that she ease my pain and restore me in her healing waters, and in return I offered her the blood I shed. During this ritual, I would focus healing energy onto my womb and I would chant and meditate on the twenty-five womb chants. They are:

1. My womb is sacred, and so is my life.
2. My womb is precious, and so is my life.
3. My womb is divine, and so is my life.
4. My womb is love, and so is my life.
5. My womb is whole and so is my life.
6. My womb is free, and so is my life.
7. My womb is radiant, and so is my life.
8. My womb is light, and so is my life.
9. My womb is great, and so is my life.
10. My womb is celestial, and so is my life.
11. My womb is peace, and so is my life.
12. My womb is bliss, and so is my life.
13. My womb is bright, and so is my life.
14. My womb is natural, and so is my life.
15. My womb is liberated, and so is my life.
16. My womb is full of energy, and so is my life.
17. My womb is pure, and so is my life.
18. My womb is in tune, and so is my life.
19. My womb is all powerful, and so is my life.
20. My womb is the seat of my creativity, and so is my life.
21. My womb is full, and so is my life.
22. My womb is filled with prayer, and so is my life.
23. My womb is a dynamic force, and so is my life.
24. My womb is holy, and so is my life.
25. My womb is the gateway to heaven here on earth, and so is my life.

I would hold my hands over my womb and envision each line of the chant as if it was manifesting right before me. I honored my womb and all of its radiant energy. I would notice at once that any pains I had would subside and I would be filled with a sense of peace. My moontime was never a struggle when I did the ritual and took time to honor my womb and its natural ebb and flow. Sometimes we can become so busy with life and we don’t pay attention when our body says to slow down; then out of nowhere, we will crash, both emotionally and physically. The great thing is that our body naturally cleanses itself each month, giving us a chance to regenerate.

If you haven’t already done so, you should set up a sacred womb altar. It should contain images, symbols, and items that are spiritual to you and represents the womb and the divine feminine. It doesn’t have to be large or contain anything fancy. It can be as simple as a small statue and a few shells or crystals. It’s what holds the most importance to what you hope to achieve. Allow yourself to let go when you’re bleeding. Honor your emotions and express them. Create your own moon temple and put up a flag or wear a blessed piece of jewelry to let others know that you are on your moon and to respect it.

Next we must reconnect with our womb through meditation. We must listen closely to the voice of the womb. Your womb will tell you how she wants to be healed. She misses nothing, and knows all. Take a relaxing bath, eat chocolate, and do things that bring you sensual pleasure. When your womb is happy, you will be happy.
Another thing to consider is the use of sustainable menstrual products. While healing your womb, one important thing to change is your feminine products and the way you care for your yoni. First thing’s first: You do NOT need to wash out your vulva or vagina with anything other than some natural glycerin-free soap and water. Never douche because it will only end up killing off all the good bacteria and all you will have left is a killer yeast infection.

Secondly, you should really switch to cotton underwear, if you haven’t already. Sure lacey undies and thongs can make you feel sexy and all, but your vagina NEEDS to breath. So do it a favor and go commando when you can, like at home or in bed, and every other time use cotton.

Third, menstrual products play a big role in a woman’s life. There are tampons, pads, sponges, cups, and cloth pads. It’s all so confusing and overwhelming- what do you do? Well, you stop using tampons and disposable pads for one. They contain bleach and other chemicals that are shown to contribute to cervical cancer and other abnormalities. Bleach is made from chlorine and chlorine is super toxic! Not only that, tampons are known for causing Toxic Shock Syndrome. They also produce massive amounts of waste that takes hundreds of years to decompose. No good for you or the environment.

Now cloth pads and cups are where it’s at! Cloth pads are re-usable (no more running out to the store because you ran out), made in fun patterns, and easy to use and clean up. I find that I enjoy my moon a lot more when I use these body & earth friendly options.

The more you honor your womb, the easier your menses will be. The release of blood brings forth the opportunity to make a powerful offering to the divine feminine. Our womb will teach us many things, if we let it. We must promise to honor it and its wondrous and magical mystery. We cannot allow outside influences to stop the flow of divine femininity. The Great Goddess Ix Chel can and will help you heal your womb and if you choose to listen closely, she will help empower you.

Monica Divane currently lives in NYC and is happily married and expecting her first child. She is of Mayan descent and works as a Pagan Priestess.

We last heard from Becky when she reported on how Moon Cups were changing the lives of Ethiopian women. Here is her latest update from the Trampled Rose.

Hello!

The best part of being at the Trampled Rose is seeing the transformation of the women in our program. They arrive almost unable to hold their heads up and then they graduate full of confidence, hope, and new direction for their future. The part I like the least is writing reports and project proposals.

Unfortunately for me, I have spent the last few weeks writing reports about our past activities and proposals for the future. There are so many good things coming and I promise to keep you informed as more details are worked out. For now, it’s been almost six years since we first opened our gate to do our best to help. Thank you for all your encouragement and help over these years. Can you believe that we’ve helped over 1500 women?

I thought you might like to read the story of Maeza I just wrote for one of those reports I was complaining about. I attached her photo. You can see her when she arrived.

Love,

Becky Kiser
Trampled Rose, Inc.
www.trampledrose.org

These are the grateful words of Maeza herself : “This is the best time in my life! I started to be human again. I know how to write and calculate money. I am happy. I never imagined getting such a chance in my life.” Her husband said “I am so happy and thankful! The trampled Rose helped us financially because my wife knows how to get additional income to change our life. Thank you!”

But Maesa’s life has not always been so happy. When Maeza Miskir arrived at the Trampled Rose her life had already been a hard one. She was born twenty eight years before in the Amhara region in the northern part of Ethiopia to a sustenance farming family. She has four other sisters and two brothers. When she was young there was no school in her area and her parents didn’t consider education important for a girl. They wanted her to get married and be safe instead.

Although Maeza was only seven years old and had no desire to get married she was given to her husband to begin the duties of a wife. This was a terrifying experience for her so as soon as she had the chance she ran away from the man she hardly knew. Because of her illiteracy life was difficult and she married again.

In her second marriage she became pregnant with her first child. In the area where she lived there were very scarce medical services available so most of the women give birth in their own homes or the home of their in laws with a traditional birth attendant. These birth attendants have limited knowledge about difficult child birth deliveries. Maeza was in labor for five full days. At the end of her labor the baby was stillborn.

The pressure on her birth canal had caused a lack of blood flow to her bladder and she developed a vescovaginal fistula. She began to leak urine uncontrollably.. Her husband was offended by her condition and especially her smell. He asked her to leave so he could marry another woman who could have children and he wanted to be free of Maeza.

Maeza’s second husband returned her to her family home. She lived with them for two years when she heard about surgery at a Fistula Hospital near her region. But her depression and bad luck increased when she underwent her surgery only to discover that she seemed to be incurable. The leaking continued. She lived for one more year in hopelessness until she met a new educated man. He loved her and told her that he was willing to marry her because you never know what can happen in the future.

By this time Maeza had been leaking urine down her legs for more than seven years.

One day she was approached by the Amhara development association who was contacting women in their area with fistula on behalf of the Trampled Rose, Inc. Maeza and her husband jumped at the chance for Maeza to learn to read and write and begin a business of her own. Because the problem of fistula is so prevalent in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, Maeza’s sister in law also suffered from fistula. They decided to travel together with the transportation service provided by the Trampled Rose to the city of Addis Ababa.

Maeza was frightened, hungry, tried and dirty when she arrived at the gates of the Trampled Rose. During her orientation she was taught about the causes and cures for fistula. She was especially relieved to learn that fistula is not a curse from God but only a medical condition caused by her prolonged labor. As part of her orientation she was taken to a hospital to be checked for other diseases that could make her studies difficult. She was also examined by an expert fistula surgeon to make sure that her fistula was indeed curable. Her pleasure was immeasurable when she discovered that she did indeed have a chance to be cured by surgery.

Maeza began her literacy class during her first week. She was taught the alphabet by using small stones and sticks to make letters. She could read 180 words in her first week. This quick process gave her courage to try more. In fact, Maeza was the outstanding student in her graduation from the Trampled Rose. She also enjoyed the social atmosphere of being with twenty seven other women with her same problems.

After Maeza could read and write she began her business training of Sambusa making, ironing, traditional bread baking , and jewelry making. She also learned how to manage money and how to make a business plan. She even enjoyed a field trip to a bank to learn how to open her own account. She was surprised because she thought that banks were only for rich people.

Maeza’s surgery was indeed successful and she returned to her happy husband to open her own small shop selling Sambusa, traditional beer, tea, and taking in ironing with the startup capital she received from the Trampled Rose.

Got a pain in your neck? No worries — Imbue is here to naturally heal what hurts, so you can get back to doing what you love! The Imbue Pain Relief Patch is a special blend of herbs developed by acupuncturist and expert in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Peter Borten. Stick the fabric patch where it hurts, and feel your pain melt away!

The Imbue Pain Relief Patch is one of the newest items available at GladRags.com. We’re proud to be one of the first to carry this awesome all-natural patch, and want to share it with you! That’s why the Imbue Patch is on sale for the month of November, and we’re giving away a 4-pack of patches to one lucky winner!

Required entry:

• Leave a comment on this post telling us where you’d put your Imbue Pain Relief Patch!

Optional entries (comment once for each optional entry):

• Like GladRags on Facebook and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Like Imbue Body on Facebook and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Follow GladRags on Twitter and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so
• Follow Imbue Body on Twitter and leave a comment on this entry saying that you did so

The winner will be picked by a random number generator on Friday, November 11th, so get your entries in by then!

Name: Kathryn Dusseau Kloos
Age: 34
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current Location: Portland, OR
Occupation: Naturopathic Physician and mother

Interests: natural medicine, plant spirit medicine, women’s health, playing the guitar, being out in nature, travel to warm tropical places.
Dreams: Before I attended Naturopathic college I spent time studying healing arts with traditional people in the Brazilian Amazon. At that time I was in a deep contemplation if I should stay in Brazil and continue my studies with the plants or go to naturopathic school.  One of my friends there was a beautiful nineteen year old daughter of a shaman.  She knew the medicinal uses of every plant in the the forest and the unique songs that went with each one.  When I asked her what she wished she could do in her life, she told me all she wanted to go was go to medical school.  She said this with sadness in her heart knowing that there was little chance she could ever attend a university due to a lack of opportunity for the people of that region.  It was in that moment when I realized I should go to medical school. If she couldn’t go, I should at least take the opportunity to pursue a higher education that so many people globally don’t have access to.  My vision then and my vision now is to create a knowledge exchange between indigenous and contemporary healers.  One day I would like to take a group down to the Amazon to distribute much needed medical supplies as well as aid in the preservation of their herbal and healing traditions.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products: 14 years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: They are are more comfortable than disposable menstrual products and better for the environment.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I think that we are in a time now when women are being asked to do a lot in the world.  Its really important that we take time to replenish ourselves by resting, spending time in nature and doing whatever brings us joy.  As women we need to remember to honor the rhythms of our moon cycle and not push ourselves too much, especially during the time of menstruation.  Traditionally women used to bleed during the new moon which is a time for quiet reflection and planting seeds of new dreams.  Ovulation would traditionally happen on the full moon which is a time of outward creativity and expression.  My hope is that we can collectively remember to honor our moon time as a time for rest and reflection as well as value the importance of ‘being’ as much as we value ‘doing’.

Earlier this week, Dr. Bonville explained how essential fatty acids work and why they’re so good for your body. Now, she describes how to add these important EFAs to your diet!

Good dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids are cod liver oil, salmon, shrimp, cod, walnuts, flax seeds, and kelp. Adding these foods to your diet will improve your overall health and boost the levels of omega-3 fats. However, additional supplementation is often needed to treat certain symptoms and illnesses. Fish oil supplements have flooded the market and have become quite popular for all the reasons listed in part one of this series. Before purchasing a bottle of fish oil, there are a few things a savvy consumer should know.

Are all fish oil supplements created equal? The answer is NO! The buyer must beware when purchasing the omega-3 fatty acids due to the potential toxin content and rancidity of the oils. Since these fats are unsaturated, they are very delicate and can become oxidized or rancid quite easily. Oxidized oils promote ageing and inflammation and they should be avoided. To ensure your fish oil is fresh and pure, follow the guidelines below:

• Look for “molecular distillation” and “good manufacturing certification” on the label. These practices ensure freshness of the product.
• Oil should not smell or taste “fishy.” This smell indicates the oil has gone rancid.
• Buy only pharmecutical grade fish oil: these oils have been purified and are free from heavy metlas, PCB’s and other toxins present in fish.
• Choose products with natural preservatives such as vitamin E or rosemary oil.

To ensure proper dosing of your fish oil, contact your health care provider. There are some precautions when taking an onega-3 fatty acid supplement, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medication or are pregnant.

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

No doubt you have heard that omega 3 fatty acids are good for your body. Fish oil, a good source of fatty acids, has been a hot topic in the news lately, advertized to cure everything from arthritis to heart disease. But why are omega 3 fatty acids so good for your body and how do they work?

Omega 3 fatty acids are part of a group of fats that are called essential fatty acids (EFAs). While your body is able to produce some fats, these fats are essential nutrients and must be obtained from your diet.  Crucial to many of the physiologic processes in the body, omega fatty acids are the building blocks to our hormones, neurotransmitters, and inflammation mediators.  They feed the nervous system and keep the skin and joint lubricated.  Cultures that have a high intake of  EFAs have lower rates of heart disease, healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and lower blood pressure.

There are two nutritionally important omega 3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Each fatty acid is used in the body in different ways and can be use therapeutically as shown below.

EPA	DHA
Strong anti-inflammatory Protective for the heart and circulatory system Improves joint flexibility Best for the brain and nervous system in people over the age of five Promotes healthy mood and emotional wellness	Protective for the eyes and vision Fetal brain structure is dependant on DHA and many women are deficient Best for brain development from pregnancy to age 5 Treats memory and nervous system conditions

The modern diet does is not rich in EFAs. Processed foods, poor quality meat and poultry, and saturated fats from dairy products do not supply omega-3 fatty acids. A deficiency in EFAs can cause dry skin, joint problems, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, memory problems, and low libido. Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can balance mood, slow the aging process, improve memory, and decrease allergies.

Stay tuned for Part 2, in which Dr. Bonville will explain how to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet!

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

Ladies, are you up to date? Know your health status with an annual checkup!

Most women know that visiting your doctor yearly is crucial for early detection of female-related illnesses. The annual exam can help identify cancerous changes on the cervix, breast, uterus and ovaries, and typically includes a PAP smear, breast exam, and pelvic exam. In addition, the doctor will also assess your heart, blood pressure, and general health.

The PAP smear, a sample of cells taken from a woman’s cervix, is the standard method for detecting changes to the cervix associated with cervical disease and cancer. Often the PAP test is coupled with a DNA test for the Human Papilloma virus which is known to cause cervical cancer. Both tests together are the best way to detect cervical disease and are 99% sure to detect changes in cervical health.

Human Papilloma virus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted virus that can infect the cells of the cervix, leading to cellular changes that predispose a woman to cervical cancer. There are different types of the virus, some more harmful than others. In most women, a healthy and strong immune system can overcome the virus with no future cancer development. 90% of all HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years, especially with naturopathic treatment. Cancerous changes, or dysplasia, are more likely in women who cannot effectively fight a more harmful strain of the virus. Immune support, a healthy diet and lifestyle, and healthy sexual habits help support cervical health. Ask your naturopathic doctor for details.

Women over 21 or those who are sexually active should begin receiving annual exams, with a PAP done every 1-3 years depending on sexual history and health history. Women over the age of 30 require both the PAP and DNA test for the best screening measures.
By detecting changes in your cervix caused by Human Papilloma virus, these tests are the key for early detection of cancers. A breast and pelvic exam complete the preventative screening for cancer.

Dr. Bonville is a licensed Naturopathic Physician who practices primary and family medicine. She has a passion for naturopathic medicine and its capacity to optimize your health.  Dr. Bonville believes that naturopathic medicine can help you feel great, look wonderful, and have the energy you need to enjoy life.

While she enjoys all aspects of family healthcare, Dr. Bonville hold special interest in women’s health issues, hormone imbalances, and holistic cancer care.  She specializes in general gynecology, menstrual disorders, menopause, infertility and pre-pregnancy counseling.  She offers a full scope of women’s health care needs including annual exams, breast exams, hormone testing, and nutritional screening. She is committed to providing an integrative experience, combining traditional medicine with naturopathic philosophy.

Follow Dr. Bonville on Twitter for health tips and inspiring suggestions, and visit the Grain Integrative Health website for more information on her practice.

October is National Breast Health Awareness Month, and in preparation we bring you this guest post by Maria Davis. What actions will you take to help end breast cancer?

Photo by Courtney Robinson

Would you walk 60 miles to cure breast cancer? Millions of people do just that every year as part of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure. The walk covers approximately 60 miles over a period of three days, and is held in numerous cities across the United States, and in many countries around the world. In 2010, the 3-Day was held in 15 U.S. cities, and raised over $87 million.

The 3-Day walk is being held in 14 cities across the United States in 2011. Events began in July, and are running through mid-November, so you still have several opportunities to join in. Participating is easy if a 3-Day is held in or near your city. But how can you get there if the city where you want to walk is far away? If you need to travel to get there, here’s how you can save some money while you’re raising it for a good cause.

Recruit a Sponsor

It can sometimes be difficult to ask people for money, and you must meet a minimum fundraising amount of $2,300 in order to participate in the 3-Day walk. But rather than asking friends, family, and coworkers to contribute extra to get you there, try to find a sponsor. Talk to local businesses you frequent, and ask if they’re willing to donate money toward your travel expenses. Offer them something in return, such as wearing a T-shirt with their business name on it at the event. You can also talk to local radio and TV stations about interviewing you, and mention your sponsor business on the air.

Look For Travel Deals

Most of the online travel sites usually offer deals on airfare for holidays and other events throughout the year. But if the 3-Day walk you want to participate in is taking place outside those time frames, it can be difficult to find affordable fares. The best solution in this case is to find an online discount code. For example, a Travelocity promo code or Orbitz promo codes can save you specific dollar amounts or percentages off your airfare to the walk location. Be sure to do a little searching before you give up on attending because of budget constraints.

Photo by Leah Jones

Save Up

Walking 60 miles over three days is quite a challenge for anyone, even those in the best of shape. You need time to train before taking on the 3-Day, so if you’re not quite ready either financially or physically, start planning for 2012 now.

Next year, the walk will again be held in 14 U.S. cities starting in July, from Boston to San Francisco, Chicago to Dallas/Fort Worth. Choose the city where you want to participate now, and start saving money to cover your travel expenses. This will also give you plenty of time to work up to being able to walk 20 miles a day, not to mention more time to raise money for the event, and get well beyond the minimum required. Saving and waiting can be challenging themselves, but you’ll gain a much greater sense of satisfaction if you’re able to finish the event without injury, and if you’re able to raise more money for such an important cause.

Everyone’s lives are touched by cancer at some point. It may be a family member, a close friend, a coworker, or a friend of a friend. It may even be you. Consider doing something to support finding a cure, whether it’s the 3-Day walk, or any local event near you.

Rebekah K., founder of The Trampled Rose recently contacted us about the struggles of women in Ethiopia suffering from obstetric fistula. We are so moved by how something as simple as a menstrual cup could completely change a woman’s life that we had to share the story with everyone. Read her story below.

I am the founder of the Trampled Rose, Inc.  We work in Ethiopia helping those women who have suffered from Obstetric Fistula learn to read and write, find a way to earn money to make them valued members of their societies, and give them hope for the future.

Obstetric Fistula most often occurs in  women who were married as young as five years old.  They then become pregnant in their early cycles.  Because of their small physical structure and the lack of medical assistance they often are in prolonged labor for many days.  Their baby dies and as the fetus presses on the bladder and/or rectum it causes a hole.  the women then leak urine and/or feces for the rest of their lives.  Some are curable with surgery but many are not.

Their societies most often reject them and believe that their condition is caused by a curse from God.  We began using your Moon Cups with our incurable women a few months ago.  It stopped the leaking!!

One woman in particular began sobbing as she rode on a public bus for the first time in ten years.  She told us that she was never allowed to ride after her Fistula because the urine leaked uncontrollably and the other passengers threw her off.

I know it is difficult for us to imagine such a thing but women all over the world are suffering.  Our dream is to take back many of the cups and bring at least some relief to the women that need our help.

Thank you for your part.

Rebekah Kiser
Founder
Trampled Rose, Inc.
www.trampledrose.org