I hope you'll join me in making a difference for people living with IC, also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), by raising awareness and making a donation to the Interstitial Cystitis Association* (ICA) for this year's fall fundraiser – Pain to Purpose!

For those of you who don't know, I suffer from IC and I'd like to share my story with you. A decade ago, I was on a work trip in India when I first started noticing symptoms of IC/BPS. I assumed it was from travel-related sickness and did not think much about the frequency and urgency at first. But I knew something was not right by the time I returned home. It was then that I stumbled across the ICA website during a web search looking for help.

While my diagnosis only took 6 months, and not years like it can for many, it did take me years to find a doctor with IC expertise, who was up-to-date on the latest treatments and help. I visited several specialists, attended numerous appointments, participated in very painful pelvic procedures, and tried a variety of medications and supplements. Only the ICA maintained a website with a list of recommended doctors of national recognition in this specialty. I am very thankful to the ICA for this help and support.

Today, my IC is mostly under control. I am so proud to be an active member of the ICA Board and Chair of the Fundraising Committee. The ICA has allowed me to connect with other IC patients. Even more rewarding, I have been able to share my professional expertise in advocacy to help raise awareness regarding IC, the ICA, and current research and funding support. The ICA has improved my quality of life and is an organization I care deeply about.

With your help, the ICA can continue making a difference. Your donation helps the ICA provide patients with empowering information and resources, while giving them the tools to manage living with this life-altering condition. Together, we can continue improving the lives of people living with IC/BPS.

Your gift, whatever the amount, will bring hope to those we serve and help us continue to fulfill our critical advocacy and awareness work. Our ability to be there for people living with IC/BPS is made possible by you always being there for us, through all seasons, with your financial support. It means so much.

* The ICA is a patient advocacy organization devoted to optimal care with support for people affected by interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). IC/BPS is a chronic pain disease that is not well known by the public or even healthcare practitioners, yet millions of Americans suffer from it. The primary symptom of IC/BPS is excruciating bladder pain, and secondary symptoms include urinary urgency and frequency. Many patients suffer for years without a diagnosis and miss the opportunity to make important lifestyle changes that provide relief.

The Interstitial Cystitis Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit corporation with federal EIN# 13-3292137. Contributions are tax-deductible as described by law.