Uniting for a Cure: Inside the 2025 Blossom Ball and the Fight Against Endometriosis
A Night for Endometriosis Awareness and Research
On May 15, 2025, the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) brought the 13th Annual Blossom Ball to life at the iconic Pierre Hotel in New York City. More than a glamorous gala, the event spotlighted endometriosis awareness and research through powerful storytelling, emotional tributes, scientific milestones, and a united call to action.
Honoring Strength, Storytelling, and Innovation
A surprise pop-in by Amy Schumer, the Emmy-winning comedian and actress, was one of the night’s highlights. Schumer shared her deeply personal journey—from years of misdiagnosed pain to finally becoming pain-free after surgery. “No one has changed my life more,” she said of Dr. Seckin, “and I will say that to my husband and son’s face.” Her trademark humor and heartfelt honesty set the tone for an evening that balanced gravity with hope.
Fareed Zakaria, host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN and returning keynote speaker, joined the Blossom Ball 17 years after his first appearance. He spoke about his family’s journey through endometriosis after his daughter’s diagnosis and successful surgery by Dr. Tamer Seckin. “We had a savior. There was a path forward,” he said, reinforcing the critical need for endometriosis awareness and research.
Fọlákẹ́ Olówófôyekù, actress and musician, was honored for her courage and public advocacy. She spoke candidly about living with undiagnosed endometriosis for 25 years before finally receiving the care she needed. Her emotional reading from The Doctor Will See You Now brought the room to tears and amplified the call to support those still suffering in silence.
The Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim, founder of Celmatix Therapeutics and longtime EndoFound board member. In a powerful and tender moment, her young daughter joined her on stage to accept the award. Dr. Beim shared her own years of misdiagnosed pain and the long road to motherhood through expert care—offering a deeply personal example of how research and advocacy can transform lives across generations. She recounted a moment when her daughter asked, “Mommy, will your drugs be ready for me someday?” Beim paused, then tearfully said I told her, “I hope so.”
Closing with Music and Mission
The evening ended on a high note with a performance by Lexie Stevenson, who shared two songs from her new EP, Love You Madly, dropping soon. As an endo warrior herself, Lexie uses her platform to advocate for others living with the disease. Best known for her role as Mattie Ashby on The Young and the Restless, she is now emerging as a country music artist, with her new album. Her artistry and activism made for a powerful finale to an unforgettable night.
A Star-Studded Red Carpet
The Blossom Ball red carpet lit up with supporters, patients, and celebrities, including Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live) and Elsie Hewitt, Amanda Fuller, Abbey Lee, Lo Bosworth, Gracie Cashman, Brian Cashman, Mara Wilson, Maya McHenry, Leslie Mosier, Kym Jackson, Lily Brooks O’Briant, and more—all showing their support for the endometriosis community. Media covering onsite included national outlets People Magazine, Ebony Magazine, Daily Mail, In Touch/Life & Style Magazines as well as local News 12, and wire photographers Getty, Shutterstock and more.
Guiding the Evening
The evening’s master of ceremonies was Diana Falzone—a journalist, endometriosis patient, and host and producer of EndoTV—who guided the program with empathy, insight, and a deep personal connection to the cause.
Uniting for Change
The Blossom Ball is more than a fundraiser—it’s EndoFound’s signature event and a powerful platform where pain meets purpose. Each year, it brings together physicians, researchers, patients, and advocates to raise critical funds and awareness for a disease that affects over 200 million people worldwide. This year’s gathering underscored the urgency of endometriosis awareness and research, marked by deeply personal speeches, breakthrough announcements, and an unshakable commitment to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and access to expert care for all.
