Do you know the painful truth about endo? I didn't either. All I knew was that it caused pain. That's it. Nothing more. Today is the release of Living with Endometriosis, the 5th title in our Real Life Diaries series. When this book was proposed, I was one of the millions who had very little understanding about endometriosis, nor its true impact upon the lives of women who live with it.

But even worse than my ignorance is that I SHOULD have known. The daughter of a dear friend faced this disease, and ultimately had to undergo a full hysterectomy shortly after her wedding. In fact, she was in pain AT her wedding. I attended her wedding, but I didn't know.

I didn't know it wasn't "normal period pain."

I didn't know the pain happened every day, all month long.

I didn't know endo tested a woman's sexual identity and the relationship with her partner because it resulted in painful sex nearly every time.

I didn't know the adhesions could attach to your bowels and other organs.

I didn't know the pain could consume your entire body, causing vomiting and passing out from the agony.

I didn't know endo resulted in half hazard treatment by doctors and practitioners who aren't endo specialists.

I didn't know this disease could render a woman infertile, unable to bear children.

I didn't know this disease could wreak such havoc day in and day out with no cure in sight.

I just didn't know.

But thanks to the writers who bared all in the book, now I do.

And so will thousands of readers.

Today, because these women were brave enough to share the most intimate details of their lives and use their voices to raise awareness about the pain thousands of women live with, they are making a difference around the world and are true #EndoHeroes!

A huge shoutout to Adrieanne Lauren, Shiloh Britt, Emma Clifton, Shandi Cymoril Clouse, Tricia Connelly, Shauna Cox, Jordanne Gold, Beth Jensen, Jessica Noel, Ashley Romanko, Jacquie Young, Sayda Wymer, and Jennifer Blevins Young. 

And special shout-outs to authors Carmela Pollock and Christa Hall for your strength, courage, and unending patience in the publishing process. You ladies rock!!