About the Event

Singer and songwriter, Dustin Wilkes, dreams of devoting his music career raising money for charitable organizations. While serving our country as a US marine he received the Us Navy and Marine Corp Achievement medal, the only marine in history to receive a medal for writing a song. Dustin wrote “One Toy at a Time” for the Toys for Tots foundation that ultimately raised over $350,000 for children nationally.

When Dustin first learned of Endometriosis it was through his Fan Club President Susan Keaton. Her daughter Melissa has suffered with the disease for several years. With the help of Susan and her family, Dustin wishes to raise money for research for Endometriosis because very little is available to victims and their families in regards to patient support and information.

Endometriosis affects more than 89 million women worldwide. Living with Endometriosis is painful physically, mentally and spiritually. It strains relationships, makes daily work difficult and requires multiple surgeries and a lifestyle of pain medications.

We have partnered with the Endometriosis Research Center in Delray Beach, FL, a charitable organization offering support, education, patient advocacy and research facilitation for Endometriosis. Our mission is to bring awareness to women and men all over the world about this heartbreaking disease. Currently there are limited options for treatment, a lack of authoritative education and patient support, misinformation abound - and NO ABSOLUTE CURE.

Melissa’s Story

I was diagnosed with endometriosis about 5 years ago, but I have lived with the pain for 15 years since the age of 8.  Since being diagnosed I have been through 2 unsuccessful surgeries, Lupron, and every prescription narcotic to help mask my symptoms.  I have been in and out of emergency rooms when the pain was just unbearable.  I have been told every excuse in the book.  Everything from "you just have gas" to my personal favorite, "pain is a state of mind and it's simply just in your head".  And it's not just the physical problems, it's the emotional ones as well.  I have lost more than a few jobs because I simply couldn't leave my house.  I have lost more friends than I would like to admit because no one understands why you don't go out anymore.  And if I did go out I had to drive myself because I always left early from the pain.  Then there is the depression from all of this on top of how miserable I felt.  I was a wreck.  I had no life, no job, no money and no validation from a doctor to help me.

I had my 3rd and final surgery August 18, 2008.  Since the moment I woke up in the post surgery recovery room I have been pain free!! It has been nothing short of a miracle.  The doctors at the Center for Endometriosis Care in Atlanta, GA are my heroes.  Their technique in LAPEX surgery has literally changed my life.

Event Highlights

Contact

Susan Keaton

P.O. Box 681844 | Franklin, TN | 37068-1844

Phone 615-347-2395 | Fax 615-302-8257 | Email