Commissioners proclaim March 2026 Endometriosis Awareness Month; local advocate shares decades-long struggle

The Caroline County Commissioners on March 10 read a proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Endometriosis Awareness Month and invited Shannon Hanawalt, founder of Endo Warriors of the Eastern Shore, to speak about her experience.

Commissioner Bartz read the proclamation noting that endometriosis affects an estimated one in 10 people of reproductive age worldwide, can cause chronic pain and infertility, and often takes seven to 10 years to diagnose. The document urged residents to wear yellow, educate themselves on symptoms, and support research and faster diagnosis.

Hanawalt told the commissioners she is "one in 10" and recounted symptoms beginning at age 15, numerous surgeries, long diagnostic delays and severe mental-health impacts. She said medical training on endometriosis can be inadequate and described the only definitive diagnosis being laparoscopic surgery. "I will not stop until when someone says the word endometriosis, every single person will know what that is," she said.

Commissioners thanked Hanawalt for speaking and for the advocacy work of Endo Warriors of the Eastern Shore. The proclamation was signed by commissioners present and the board invited a photo after the presentation.