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Canadian MRKH Conference funds

My name is Ashley Clark, I’m 21 and I am an MRKH warrior.
 
I am one in 5000 women born with Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser Syndrome – otherwise known as MRKH, since that’s far easier to pronounce.
 
At the age of 16, having not had a period, my mom insisted I go see my doctor. I got a blood test that concluded all of my hormones were normal and an ultrasound that found quite the opposite.
 
Though I did have two healthy ovaries, my uterus was a severely underdeveloped muscle mass floating around in my abdomen.
 
I was told it would be impossible for me to carry a child.
 
But that was only half of the battle I was about to face. A few months later I learned that my uterus wasn’t the only body part affected.
 
After seeing a specialist, I was officially diagnosed with MRKH and was told I was also missing a cervix and vagina.
 
I was only 16 when all of this was pushed to the forefront of my mind. I constantly asked myself why this had happened to me. I wondered if a man would ever love me. I was rethinking my entire future. I was nowhere near having a husband or wanting a family, but now I couldn’t help but wonder if I ever would. I had lost a dream that had never even existed. I was mourning a child I would never give birth to. Every day I walked through a world that reminded me of my heartache.
 
However, having MRKH has also brought a huge blessing to my life.

I may be 1 in 5000, but I am not the only one.

We are a family of women who share a physical and psychological barrier with our bodies. We call ourselves warriors and fighters because it is a constant battle that never ends.
 
Through on-line medical chats I have met many girls just like me. In fact, it’s how I met one of my best friends. There are also Facebook groups where women with MRKH have come together to create a sisterhood. But this is not the same as being able to see a best friend in person on a regular basis. My best friend is 6 hours away and in a different country. 

From across the globe we hold each other’s hands through hard times. We tell our stories and help each other grow. 

Because this syndrome is quite rare, meeting other MRKH women can be a difficult task, but one that is extremely worth it. It breaks down the boundaries of isolation.

We live in a world where on a day to day basis, nobody can truly understand the situation we are in, the triggers that we face. 

Nobody except people who are going through the exact same thing.

I have been lucky enough to attend conferences and meet MRKH women in person and can say the experience is life-changing. There are hugs, there are  laughs and there are tears, but overall, it's an empowering experience to know you are not alone.
 
Through the stories I’ve heard, I have also learned the importance of making MRKH more well-known and understood. Some girls go years before getting diagnosed because doctors don’t even know what’s wrong. I’ve heard horror stories of doctors googling the symptoms right in front of patients, of women being accused of not being women and of so much bullying that happens because our syndrome is so misunderstood.

As a result, MRKH is something many girls and women are ashamed of.

I want to end this shame and have more people experience the face to face bonding that can happen when a group of MRKH women come together.
 
The only problem, is that there are no MRKH conferences in Canada. The closest conference I can attend is in Boston, a seven-hour drive away. 

So, now that I am a graduate of Public Relations and Event Management, I have decided to plan and run my own conference here in Southern Ontario, Canada. 

I plan to invite MRKH warriors, their families, supporters and partners as well as have an MRKH specialist there to speak with anyone who needs it. Mental health staff will be in attendance. Lunch will be provided. And support groups will be held. 

In order for this to happen though, I realize there needs to be funds a woman right out of college cannot afford. I hope that MRKH warriors and their supporters will come together to help me make this event happen. 

Any donation will do!

Seriously, I won't judge if you donate $1. 

With love,

a determined MRKH Warrior.
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Donations 

  • Diane Fitsell
    • $20 
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $5 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $20 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $25 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $300 (Offline)
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Ashley Clark
Organizer
Kingston, ON

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