Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan M. Stewart.
Hi Megan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I was 9 years old, I began gaining weight without explanation, with extra hair growth on my face and neck. My mood swings were horrible, I was extremely depressed and anxious, and I hadn’t had my first menstrual cycle. My mom became worried and started taking me to different medical professionals for answers. Between the ages of 9 and 16, I was taken to numerous medical professionals and was told – “She just needs to lose weight,” “This is normal for adolescence,” “It will go away,” and “It is all in her head, she is faking it.” Finally, at 16, I was formally diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Cervical Cancer. It wasn’t until about 22 after I was taken to the emergency room for my cysts rupturing, that I started paying more attention to my PCOS. The ER attendants told me they could do nothing for me and that I would have to suffer. I started making teal bracelets to give to family and friends as a conversation starter about PCOS. A cousin posted her handmade bracelets on her Instagram and tagged me. I began getting messages from all over the world from others suffering from PCOS, which was when PCOS Awareness Association was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our most considerable struggle has been fundraising and getting sponsors. Less than .02% of government funding goes towards advocacy and research of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, even though 1 in 5 women worldwide suffer from it. It can lead to many different cancers and diabetes, and heart disease. We rely on private and public funding and sponsors.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Outside of being the founder and Executive Director of the PCOS Awareness Association, I am the Executive Assistant to Capital One’s Chief Operational and Model Risk Officer and the proud owner of a haircare line called Queen Divine and a photobooth company called Joyous Moments.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was born in Boston, MA but raised in Seattle, WA, on a farm with horses, goats, and dogs. I recently realized that my parents, born and raised in Dorchester, MA had NO clue what they were doing running a farm, but they made it look good. Growing up, it seemed effortless, and they ensured I had everything to fulfill my dreams.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meganmstewart.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/meganmstewart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.marie.stewart/
- Other: www.pcosaa.org
Image Credits
Images by EyeImagery – https://eyeimagery.zenfolio.com/
