Meet Endo-Warrior Kelly: Her NYC Marathon Training and Menstrual Health Journey

What’s your name?

Kelly Anne Parker - I go by Kelly and I am running the NYC Marathon with the support of Team Elix for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. https://give.endofound.org/fundraiser/4834684

What’s your profession?

Entrepreneur, Founder of Send Ribbon acquired by Urbanstems

What’s your age?

34

Tell us about your period journey, how did it start? What were some of your worst symptoms?

My symptoms started in grade school and have continued to the present day. I would have awful cramps, severe bleeding, leg swelling, bloating and nausea that caused vomiting. Additionally, I would have chest pain, mood swings, cravings, and hormonal acne. 

Can you tell us about a particular time you were kept from doing something you love because of your period and how it made you feel?

It is actually very dangerous for me to run or do hard workouts when I have my period because of the significant amount of blood loss. Since I became anemic and can’t regulate my body temperature, I have had to cancel workouts and runs, which has been extremely difficult for me while Marathon training for 26.2 miles.

When was the moment you decided to take your menstrual health into your own hands and find professional / alternative help?

I had been in and out of Doctors offices since childhood but it wasn’t until an OBGYN dismissed my extreme pain  did I ask everyone in my network for a recommendation for a new Doctor. My new physician was greeted by a medical file of over 100 pages of notes from the many visits, previous surgeries and trips to the ER. She sent me for a MRI and the scan showed Endometriosis, I was in surgery just two weeks later. 

How did you discover Elix?

What convinced you to try herbal healing? I signed up for the mailing list in 2020 after hearing Lulu’s personal relatable story of bleeding through clothes. I loved the content and learning about herbal medicine but I didn’t try it until after my last three surgeries did not provide symptom relief. 

How long have you been taking Elix?

Since September 2022 

How has your experience with Elix been? Would you recommend Cycle Balance or any other Elix products to a family member or friend?

My experience has been nothing short of excellent, I specifically feel the difference the days prior to the start of my cycle. Elix has provided me with significant relief and I have told the many women in my Endo support Group about the relief from Elix.

What advice would you give to a friend or another member of the community who is looking for holistic alternatives to care for their cycle?

For me, as soon as I received a formal diagnosis and was told that Endo was progressive with no cure, my immediate thought was what resources do I have to minimize as much of the pain as possible. I would recommend you try herbal alternatives because for women with Endo there is no cure so trying alternatives to painkillers that can provide relief has more benefits than negatives.

Marathon Videos coming before the race! 🙌 

Join us in supporting Kelly's marathon mission. To donate and for more information on how you can support, visit:  https://give.endofound.org/fundraiser/4834684

Reviewed by: Dr. Elizabeth Fine
Dr. Elizabeth Fine, DAOM, LAcDr. Fine is currently the Dean of Clinical Education at Emperor’s College and has been practicing Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for over 25 years, with a specialization in Women’s Reproductive Health.