Women’s empowerment is often celebrated when it looks like ambition, achievement, or outward success, but prioritizing our health is rarely seen as a powerful, valid form of self-respect.
In 2022, I lost my mother just three months after her cancer diagnosis. Watching her undergo aggressive treatment while still putting others first taught me what real strength looks like. Throughout my life, she radiated resilience as a survivor of domestic violence, raising me as a single mother, and making innumerable sacrifices to allow me opportunities I would not have otherwise had. During her battle with cancer, it quickly became evident that while my mom spent all her life prioritizing my well-being and advocating for others, she neglected to care for her own health and wellbeing.
Her passing was my call to action, igniting a fire in me that continues to drive my work today as I reflect on the resilience, grace, and sacrifices she showed, and the values she instilled in me from a young age. But perhaps the most important lesson I learned is that our health is truly our greatest investment. Honoring my mother’s memory set me down a path of purpose, with advocating for women’s health and wellness at the center of my mission.
Despite advocating for my own health challenges for years, my health took a drastic turn during my year as Miss Connecticut. After more than 16 years of debilitating and excruciating pain, and being dismissed, I finally found a doctor who performed thorough tests, listened with intent, and immediately took action. In 2024, I had my first appointment with Dr. Karli Goldstein, OB/GYN, an endometriosis specialist, who, for the first time, gave me hope. Just weeks later, I underwent laparoscopic excision surgery. The conformation: advanced stage three endometriosis. Something I suspected, but was misdiagnosed for years and never given answers, until now.
Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often on organs like the bladder, bowel or diaphragm. It affects 1 in 10 women worldwide, yet it takes an average of 7 to 10 years to be diagnosed, leaving many women suffering in silence.
A year and a half after my excision surgery I recently had a follow-up visit with Dr. Goldstein. Now, thriving as an endometriosis survivor, I understand that whole body wellness is lifelong, systemic and it starts by taking control of our own health.
The way I choose to empower my own health and healing is grounded in four key pillars—the same values that shape The Grace Collective, the initiative I created in honor of my mother’s legacy:
- Health: It is our greatest investment, and the foundation for everything else.
- Education: Every woman deserves to be informed, equipped, and empowered to fight for the care they need.
- Advocacy: When your cup is full, use your voice to uplift others.
- Lifestyle: Building a life that supports balance, intention and holistic wellness.
Together, with ESSE Care and Dr. Goldstein I continued to learn and grow in my own healing journey, while actively supporting others. One of the most impactful opportunities has been being introduced to the EndoCare Fund, a non-profit dedicated to removing financial roadblocks standing between patients and surgical treatment.
This Women’s Empowerment and Endometriosis Awareness Month, I encourage all women to feel empowered to listen to your body, self-advocate, and pursue timely, informed care no matter how long you’ve been dismissed or misunderstood.
Because every woman deserves to have the chance to heal, to thrive and to be heard.
Gina (Carloto) D’Amore, Miss Connecticut 2023
@ginacarloto
@_thegracecollective
@patientsurgeonmama
@essecaresurgerywellness
@endocarefund