As someone who values the education, community, and support that can be found within the endometriosis community, I have decided to start a monthly interview series that features Endo Advocates and Educators that have caught my attention. I want to highlight people and organizations that have exhibited an immense amount of leadership in the fight to bring more awareness to the world.
I believe in the power of community and find that the best way to make an impact is by lifting each other up. So, my hope is that this series of interviews will provide you with new resources as you go through life with endometriosis.
Without further ado, I am excited to kick off this series with Holly Sanneman, Founder and President of the American End of Endo Project!
Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start your endometriosis platform?
My name is Holly and I started American End of Endo Project in 2017 after finally discovering things that helped me to enjoy remission. I suffered with the effects of endometriosis for about 18 years before finally understanding that although there is no definitive “cure”, that I had hope and I had options.”
Holly Sanneman
Founder and President of American End of Endo Project
What is the your mission at The American End of Endo Project?
“Our mission is “removing barriers and renewing hope for people living with endometriosis”. All of the common barriers to treatment- access to info, understandability of good info, support, access to top doctors… these are all issues we seek to address so that getting the best available help becomes easier than ever for people who are suffering.”
Outside of conventional/western medicine, what have you found to be the most effective tool in decreasing your endometriosis pain?
“I cut out wheat, dairy, and land animals. I also rarely do soy now. I hydrate like crazy and try to keep up on my supplements while maintaining the most nourishing anti-estrogen diet I can.”
How do you start each day?
“I wake up and take inventory… I’m alive, I don’t hurt… yay! I thank God for another day of freedom. I pray, grab some wisdom from my Bible app or devotional, and shoot for the most nourishing breakfast I can. I go for protein and love when I find great nourishing plant-based things. Forager brand cashew yogurt is one of the best things I have found.”
Is there something that you always advise against when it comes to Endo treatment options?
“Anything that you a) feel coerced into or b) risks harming the rest of your body or your goals.”
If you have struggled with infertility, what advice do you have for others who have yet to conceive or carry to term?
“I have not struggled with infertility so I don’t have any words of advice. Being a mother with endo presents an entirely different set of issues.”
Eighty-Six the Endo believes in the power of nutrition and finding a diet that helps minimize symptoms. Do you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share?
“It’s really basic, but I am NOT a chef. I like to cut brussels sprouts in half longwise. 
I heat up coconut oil and minced garlic in a pan for a little while, then put the sprouts cut side down into the hot goodness. Keep those there until they’re starting to get brown, then throw a shot of water in the pan and promptly cover the pan for 3 minutes or until the sprouts are fork-tender. I like to add himilayan pink salt and nutritional yeast. It’s antiestrogenic and high in great nutrients. Annnnd it takes less than 10 minutes to make which is awesome.
Also Miyoko’s brand cashew butter and cheese are THE greatest things for those of us who have been personally victimized by dairy.”
Where can my readers find you on social media?
“I’m on Facebook and IG, but my posts are all my kids and pets. For endo-related posts, check out @americanendofendoproject on FB ad IG and @USEndofEndo on Twitter”
Any last thoughts or advice for my readers?
“No matter what stage of endo you have, no matter what kind of support you do or do not have, no matter how many surgeries you have or haven’t had, no matter what ANY of the details are, your story is valid and it matters. Your struggles are valid and they matter. Your life is worth so much more than your pain and exhaustion. You are deeply loved. Never be afraid to speak up or to keep believing in yourself when the rest of the world seems to get on fine without hearing you. You are braver than you may ever know, just keep holding on.”
Thank you Holly for helping me kick off this series!
If you would like to know more about what the American End of Endo Project is all about, then visit their website here.
And if you would like to donate to their cause, visit:
