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Talbot County proclaims March 2026 Endometriosis Awareness Month after local advocate’s testimony
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Summary
The council approved a proclamation declaring March 2026 Endometriosis Awareness Month and heard an extended testimony from Shannon Hanewald (Endo Warriors of the Eastern Shore) about delayed diagnosis, painful symptoms, multiple surgeries and calls for better provider education and research funding.
The Talbot County Council approved a proclamation declaring March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and urged residents to support increased awareness and research. The proclamation, read into the record, referenced professional societies and called for more research and funding to improve early detection and treatment.
The council then heard from Shannon Hanewald, founder of Endo Warriors of the Eastern Shore and an ambassador for the Endometriosis Association, who told the council she began experiencing pain at age 15, underwent multiple diagnostic visits and imaging with no clear answers for years, and ultimately was diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery with stage 4 endometriosis. Hanewald recounted having about 20 surgeries, described infertility risks associated with endometriosis and said the condition caused severe depression and anxiety. She urged improved medical education—she said doctors receive limited training in endometriosis—and called on the community to support affected people and increase public awareness.
Council members thanked Hanewald for repeatedly sharing her story to help others and presented the proclamation to her. The proclamation was approved by voice/roll call earlier in the meeting.
