Melissa C • Texas • 39
I got my period when I was 13 or 14, about a year or so after my dad died. My Mom was dating some guy and I was with them doing something outside - kinda blocked some of that out. I came inside to use the restroom, then boom the tears came rolling down. I had no idea what was going on with me. Definitely didn't know what a period was.
My Mom still didn't explain much to me at the time just gave me a pad and said use this. I was homeless for a while throughout my teen years and lacked access to menstrual products and educational information about periods. I founded the nonprofit organization Menstrual Flux to provide crucial access to menstrual products and education to those in need.
