Coach Gessie Wants Women To Be Their Own Health Advocate

After years of battling fibroids, multiple surgeries, and failed fertility treatments, health activist Coach Gessie found herself frustrated with doctors’ lack of answers and support. Coach Gessie empowers women to take control of their health, find natural healing methods, and be theiradvocates.

Her Agenda spoke with Coach Gessie about her powerful story and how she’s confidently helping women navigate their health journeys.

Her Agenda: Can you tell me more about your background and what inspired your Detox Now products?

Coach Gessie: My journey began at 30 when my husband and I wanted to start a family. After six months of trying without success, I visited an OBGYN. During the exam, I learned I had fibroids, which could be causing my infertility. This started a 14-year battle with fibroids and infertility. I had multiple surgeries, including five myomectomies and IVF cycles. In 2008, we conceived, but sadly, I miscarried. I tried one final cycle, and this time, we succeeded. However, at 21 weeks, the fibroids grew so large that they deprived the baby of nutrients. After a challenging pregnancy, my daughter Nia was born. My story went viral in Essence, and I received messages from women around the world sharing their own experiences with infertility and fibroids.

HA:Returning to what you said about having to be your own medical assistant and do the research. How can women do that for themselves, too? 

First, don’t reinvent the wheel. There’s a wealth of information available. Second, find your tribe. No matter what you’re going through, there’s someone who’s been there and can help guide you. Community is critical. We need to talk, share our stories, and ask questions. One of my best advice is to listen to yourBAE: your Body, Advocates, and Experts. Start with your body — your first bae. Next, your advocates. Medical bias is real, and everyone deserves someone to advocate for them. Lastly, remember that you are the expert on yourself.

HA: How did you get comfortable with becoming an advocate for yourself?

Coach Gessie: It all started with the struggles I went through — 15 surgeries, 14 years battling fibroids, seven surgeries, and a brain aneurysm. I had so many doctors dismiss my concerns, leading to severe complications.

A key moment for me was when I woke up in 2020 with the worst headache of my life and was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm. I had a radio interview that morning, pushed through it, and then called my doctor. They sent me for an MRA and confirmed the aneurysm. But when they told me to come back in eight days, my blood pressure was dangerously high at 199. I insisted they manage my pain first to prevent a rupture. It made me think: How many women accept what doctors tell them without pushing back? How many lives have been lost because they didn’t advocate for themselves?

That experience, along with the many hospitalizations and complications I faced, pushed me to dig deeper. I started researching the root causes of fibroids, such as vitamin D deficiencies, diet, hormone imbalances, and the environmental toxins in everyday products. That’s when I realized we have the power to take control of our health.

HA:How do you stay motivated while coaching women to improve their health, especially when managing your health? 

Coach Gessie: The testimonies keep me going. But the road isn’t always easy. Sometimes, I have down days, thinking that people aren’t always eager to take charge of their health — they’re often seeking ways to numb their pain. But then, I’ll be stopped by someone on the street saying, “Coach Gessie, I started taking the supplements, checking my vitamin D levels, and now I feel better.”

That’s why I’m passionate about spreading this message. We have the power to take control of our health. My mantra is “No sister left behind.” That’s what keeps me motivated.