Each year, a few gals get together and take over Shooter’s Cocktails, a local bar, to raise money for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. And this year was no different.
On January 27, 2019, Tanya Linda (aka Saint Birthday Suit), Sister Donatella Soul, and the San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence came together and raised almost $400 through general donations, drink sales, and online donations! A local band, the Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas, also rocked the house and donated CDs to the cause.
Donatella and Tanya, who both have Endometriosis, agreed to share with us why they do what they do…
Tell us why you choose to raise money for Endometriosis awareness and research.
Tanya:
It is all I can do so I give it my all.
Donatella:
Tanya chooses to organize this fundraiser for her birthday every year with the help and support of The San Diego Sisters. It is important for Tanya as she manages living with endo. Five of the members of our Sister House in SD have endo, so it us important for us to support awareness and research and provide outreach to those in the community looking for understanding and a little joy. The venue we use, Shooters Cocktails, allowed our use for this fundraiser as one of the owner’s relatives has endo.
Can you tell us more about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence?
Donatella:
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence started Easter weekend, 1979, in San Francisco. The Mission is to promulgate joy and expiate stigmatic guilt. The Sisters were the first group to recognize, inform about, and fundraise for HIV/AIDS. The Order has spread and Houses and Missions may be found worldwide.
Tanya:
My favorite activists in SD. Bawdy, Funny, Informed, Helpful and without Shame!
This year a little something special occurred. The San Diego Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence granted Tanya a Sainthood! What’s that?
Donatella:
Personally, I have wanted Tanya to be sainted for some time for her support and promotion of The Sisters. Being able to include her efforts in endo awareness and fundraising was a Joy. I think it is an important inclusion as it means representation for those in our community managing endometriosis. A Saint of The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is a member of the community who supports the work of the Sisters. In Tanya’s case, her endo outreach has enabled The Sisters in our outreach and fundraising efforts for endo. A Saint is a member of The Sisters who does not have voting privileges. They are community members who support the work, but do not have a calling to be a Sister or Guard.
Tanya:
I am honored to help our Sisters help those in need in our community.
I know that Tanya serves special Endo-themed drinks every year at the FUNdraiser. What’s up with that?
Tanya:
Warning! Bawdy and we make no apologies for that!
Donatella:
LOL, Tanya and I wanted to create drinks that brought some joy, that the women could have a chuckle at. Also, the names make an impression on the men so in a humorous way we can get some points across about pain and discomfort. It is fun to hear the men get into it and yell, “I’ll have another Heavy Flow!”
Note from Bloomin’ Uterus: a portion of the proceeds from each of these drinks were donated to the Endometriosis Foundation of America. The drinks included: Heavy Flow (a bloody mary), Moist Vagina (a delicious shot), and Yeast Induction (a beer & a shot).
Anything else you’d like to share?
Tanya:
Derek French is an acupuncturist here in Mission Valley (San Diego, CA area) who has been treating my early stages of Endo with herbs and weekly acupuncture for over a year and my painful periods are now a whisper of what they were. Derek has treated Endo patients in more advanced stages with great results his number is (619) 993-9297.
Donatella:
I have found the End Endo event to be a wonderful way to let those suffering have an afternoon of fun and camaraderie with others who understand. It has worked to bring out women who have just been diagnosed, but do not know where to turn for information.
**
I cannot thank Tanya, Donatella, or the Sisters enough for doing this year after year. And Shooters for housing the fundraiser! AND a huge shout-out to the Ass Pocket Whiskey Fellas who were absolutely incredible (and will be joining us for our March walk)! Annnd than you Richard for the photographs and video!
If you missed the FUNdraiser this year, don’t fret: they’ll do it again NEXT YEAR!!! Thank you, Sisters! ❤ It’s always a blast and it’s for such a phenomenal cause.
All of these photos were taken by Richard T. Reyes (Saint Angel con Cuernos) and used with his express permission:
Bloomin' Uterus 