Fibroid Fighters Foundation brought together women’s health advocates, healthcare professionals, community leaders, entertainers and supporters for its annual Your Health in Full Bloom event on July 30, 2026, in New York City.
Held during Fibroid Awareness Month, this year’s sold-out national health empowerment event offered candid conversations about women’s health, personal experiences, treatment options and the importance of taking action. The evening blended education and advocacy with music, celebration, reminding attendees that prioritizing health is an essential part of living life fully.
At the heart of the evening was a message that resonated throughout the event: women deserve to understand their health, know their options, and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their care.
A Conversation About Women’s Health
Throughout the evening, speakers and panelists highlighted the importance of recognizing symptoms early and taking an active role in personal health decisions.
For many women with uterine fibroids, symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and frequent urination can gradually become part of everyday life, making it easy to overlook when medical attention may be needed.
Dr. Yan Katsnelson, Founder of Fibroid Fighters and CEO of USA Fibroid Centers, encouraged women to seek answers and understand their treatment options.
“You don’t have to suffer from fibroids,” Dr. Katsnelson told attendees.
He encouraged women experiencing symptoms to speak with a healthcare provider, request an ultrasound and learn about available treatment options, including minimally invasive approaches such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).
Personal Stories That Inspired Action
The evening brought that message to life through personal stories from women who have experienced fibroids themselves or supported loved ones through their health journeys.
Shereé Whitfield shared her experience with fibroids and UFE, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and understanding both the short- and long-term considerations of treatment.
Shay Johnson spoke candidly about undergoing a myomectomy before learning that UFE could have been another treatment option for her. Her experience underscored the importance of researching all available options and asking questions before making a treatment decision.
Cynthia Bailey offered a deeply personal perspective, speaking openly about her experience with fibroids and the importance of encouraging women to prioritize their own health.
USA Fibroid Centers Ambassador Kym Lee shared how she ignored heavy bleeding and exhaustion until a serious health episode forced her to recognize that something was wrong. Her story served as a powerful reminder that women should not wait until symptoms become overwhelming before seeking answers.
Together, these stories reinforced a common message: women should not have to suffer in silence, normalize debilitating symptoms or make important healthcare decisions without understanding their choices.
The Conversation We Can’t Ignore
Inspired by the session Speak Up: Silence Goes Unheard, the conversation was expanded, focusing on the power of self-advocacy and the importance of speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
During a thoughtful discussion, panelists Natalie Dawson, Amanda Fludd, and Katiucia Gray explored the connections between physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being. The panel addressed the impact of stress, the importance of resilience, and the challenges many women face as they balance their own health needs while caring for family, careers, and others.
The discussion concluded with an Ask the Experts Q&A featuring USA Fibroid Centers’ Medical Director Dr. Jacob White and panel participants. Together, they reinforced a powerful message: health is not simply about treating a condition. It is about prioritizing the whole person, trusting your instincts, finding your voice, and seeking the support and care needed to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Keith L. Brown, aka “Mr. I’m Possible” kicked off the reception and celebratory portion of the evening, setting the stage for an inspiring night of recognition, live performances, and community.
Honoring Champions of Health
The evening also honored leaders whose work reflects a commitment to health equity and stronger communities. The 2026 Flora Award recognizes three extraordinary women whose leadership and dedication have strengthened the communities they serve
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, has championed equitable healthcare access and community wellness throughout her career.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has been a powerful advocate for residents, working tirelessly to improve quality of life and create opportunities across the borough.
Kathy Morales, Account Executive at Merit Medical, has been a longtime supporter and trusted partner whose commitment to patient care and community outreach has helped make a meaningful difference. Their collective impact reflects the compassion, service, and leadership at the heart of the Flora Award.
A Night of Music, Joy and Connection
While education and advocacy were central to the evening, Your Health in Full Bloom was also a celebration. The event featured performances from Brenda K. Starr and Jordin Sparks, bringing music and energy to the ballroom.
Jordin Sparks, who became the youngest winner in American Idol history, took center stage and performed her chart-topping hit “No Air.” She also paid tribute to Whitney Houston with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” creating a celebratory moment that brought guests together.
Brenda K. Starr’s performance reflected an important part of the event’s spirit: health advocacy can make room for joy, connection and celebration.
A Message of Empowerment
Across conversations, personal stories and performances, one message continued to emerge:
Women deserve to be heard. They deserve information. They deserve choices. And they deserve to prioritize their health. For women affected by fibroids, that can begin with recognizing symptoms, asking questions and learning about treatment options.
Your Health in Full Bloom was created to make those conversations more accessible — while reminding every attendee that a health diagnosis does not define the whole person.
Women are mothers, daughters, partners, professionals, caregivers, advocates, artists and leaders. They deserve the opportunity to live healthy, informed and full lives.
Advancing the Mission
The conversations at Your Health in Full Bloom are part of an ongoing commitment to:
- Increase awareness of uterine fibroids and other women’s health issues
- Expand access to health education and information
- Encourage women to seek answers earlier
- Promote informed conversations about treatment options
- Support patient advocacy
- Build stronger communities around health and wellness
Looking Ahead
The conversation does not end when the event does.
Fibroid Fighters Foundation will continue working to educate, empower and advocate for individuals affected by fibroids while creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about women’s health and whole-body wellness.
Speaking up was a central theme throughout the evening. We invite you to share your story and help raise awareness, inspire others, and support those navigating similar health journeys.
