The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) presented Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Halsey with the Blossom Award at its Ninth Annual Blossom Ball yesterday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The Blossom Award acknowledges extraordinary individuals who inspire, advocate and help enact change in women's healthcare leading to better lives for women, particularly those suffering from endometriosis.
HALSEY AT BLOSSOM BALL
"Halsey is a vital voice for her generation," said Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi, co-founder of EndoFound with endometriosis specialist and distinguished laparoscopic surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD. "Not only is she an amazing singer-songwriter, but she is also a wonderful advocate for women and their health and well-being. She's been on my radar for the last several years because of how outspoken she's been with her own journey. I salute her for being so open about her struggle with endometriosis and am honored to have EndoFound recognize her efforts this year."
- ALL PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCMULLAN
The twenty-three-year-old has shown incredible strength, becoming a role model for so many young women. While she's enjoyed a meteoric rise as an artist, she's also simultaneously grappled with painful endometriosis resulting in multiple surgeries. And throughout, Halsey has been open with her fans, providing a raw honesty about the difficult journey so many women with this disease experience. In pain and recovering from yet another related surgery, she said this to her followers: "If you suffer from chronic pain or a debilitating disease please know that I have found time to live a crazy, wild, rewarding life AND balance my treatment and I hope so much in my heart that you can too."
Halsey's courage has helped dispel the stigma that surrounds this disease, which affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. It's the third leading cause of female infertility and one of the most misdiagnosed (yet treatable) diseases. Most doctors receive little training in medical school about endometriosis. And as a result, a woman can suffer for years before getting the correct diagnosis and care.
In addition to honoring Halsey, the Blossom Ball included a performance by the Resistance Revival Chorus, who recently took the stage with Kesha at this year's Grammy Awards.
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and the fundraising for this event will allow EndoFound to continue its mission to increase disease recognition, provide advocacy, educate young girls and fund landmark endometriosis research.
The Honorary Committee this year included Ann Curry, Lena Dunham, Dr. Mehmet Oz, former New York Governor David Paterson and Eileen Guggenheim.