Five Questions With: Jennifer Zanni

Jennifer Zanni is the founder and president of the Endometriosis Foundation of Rhode Island, a 6-year-old nonprofit based in Lincoln.
Jennifer Zanni is the founder and president of the Endometriosis Foundation of Rhode Island, a 6-year-old nonprofit based in Lincoln.

Jennifer Zanni is the founder and president of the Endometriosis Foundation of Rhode Island, a 6-year-old nonprofit based in Lincoln. She has worked for CVS Health since 2006, most recently as a human resources senior consultant. Her personal struggles with the disease led to founding the nonprofit. Here she discusses its mission and outreach efforts.

PBN: Why and how did you found the Endometriosis Foundation of Rhode Island in 2011?
ZANNI:
I was diagnosed with stage III endometriosis in May of 2010, after having laparoscopic surgery for a cyst inside my left ovary. I started researching the disease immediately and soon realized there was no known reason as to why it occurs, let alone a cure. From that point on, I made it my mission to start the foundation and raise awareness.

PBN: Besides raising awareness, what are you working to accomplish through your organization?
ZANNI:
The Endometriosis Foundation of Rhode Island is working to ensure that women in Rhode Island who are affected by this disease don’t feel like they are alone. We want them to know they have somewhere to reach out to if they have questions or need someone to talk to regarding what they are going through. We are constantly working to find ways to raise awareness and provide resources to those in need.

PBN: Your first official 5K is April 3 in Goddard Park in East Greenwich. How did this come about and how many are participating?
ZANNI:
We started putting this race together about eight months ago. There are numerous moving parts and we wanted to be sure, as with every function we have, it is successful. Since inception, it has been our goal to host an official 5K. I reached out to Charles Breagy last year to assist with the race. He is known for hosting many of the local races in Rhode Island and his son, Conor, will be providing the “timing” for our race with his company, Run Rhody.
We also worked with the local police department to secure a few community police officers that will be present during the event as well as a friend from the Johnston Fire Department who will be donating his EMT services for the day. We are hoping for 100 participants at this year’s event.

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PBN: What is your greatest fundraising challenge?
ZANNI:
I would say our greatest fundraising challenge is advertising that EFRI has an event coming up. EFRI uses social media to spread the word; however, it’s not always enough, and we feel as though we are missing the most important population, which are the women that need our help and guidance.

PBN: What are your objectives for the nonprofit in the coming year and long-term?
ZANNI:
Our main objective is to spread as much awareness about endometriosis as possible. For most women, the disease is very debilitating from a pain management standpoint. I don’t experience a lot of pain but others I’ve met through this process do. EFRI is committed to providing valuable research to those looking for answers and information in the areas of endometriosis and to wholly use the foundation’s knowledge and skills to increase awareness.

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