Our Mission and Impact
About APOPS
Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support is a USA-based nonprofit advocacy agency that was founded in September 2010. We support women navigating the stigma and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, while leading the charge for improvement of POP understanding and patient outcomes.
Mission
APOPS mission is to amplify pelvic organ prolapse awareness, to listen to and acknowledge patient voice, to destigmatize vaginal health, to encourage and optimize women’s health empowerment, and to clarify and quantify POP quality of life impacts.
Vision
APOPS vision is a world in which pelvic organ prolapse awareness and screening are standardized aspects of women's pelvic wellness checks, and stigma has been eradicated from vaginal health.
Goals
Our goals include increasing awareness, supporting women worldwide, and bridging with stakeholders to evolve POP treatment.
APOPS strives towards inclusion of standardized POP screening, accurate statistical data capture, and advancement of POP curriculum for diagnostic clinicians.
Break the Silence. End the Stigma
Break the Silence. End the Stigma
Driving the Next Revolution In Women’s Health
Pelvic organ prolapse isn’t a rare condition, it’s a global women’s health pandemic. Despite 50% prevalence and nearly 4,000 years of medical documentation, POP screening falls short around the world. Millions of women suffer in silence.
Pelvic organ prolapse awareness will only occur when we encourage women to share their stories — and listen to them. APOPS provides a supportive platform for woman-to-woman POP conversation.
“It changes everything to know you aren’t alone.”
- Sheree DiBiase
Our Impact
APOPS supports women of all ages, teens through end-of-life, in 183 of 195 countries. Our website and forum serve as knowledge-sharing resources where women can get their POP questions answered, share their stories, and empower themselves with information.
Our Founder
Like most women, Sherrie Palm first learned about pelvic organ prolapse the day she was diagnosed. She quickly recognized POP as the biggest secret in women’s health. After writing Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic, she founded APOPS to share information about the condition and support women on a global scale.
“As the only association that is totally dedicated to pelvic organ prolapse, APOPS has been a wealth of information and support for me.”
- Bronwyn Ford
Board of Directors
Sherrie Palm
Founder and CEO of APOPS
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Like most women, Sherrie Palm was a member of the "discovery upon diagnosis" demographic. She recognized within two weeks of her diagnosis that pelvic organ prolapse was the biggest secret in women's health, and that millions of other women were suffering in silence. Sherrie's journey began when she wrote the book Pelvic Organ Prolapse:The Silent Epidemic, and shortly after the publication of the 1st Edition, founded APOPS, a grassroots movement to increase POP awareness and provide guidance and support to women navigating the condition.
Mary Pippen
Board Secretary, Forum Administrator, Director of Administrative Training
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Mary Pippen was diagnosed with POP in 2014 and joined APOPS Facebook Support Forum. After two surgeries, Mary gained a passion for APOPS mission, and joined the APOPS Support Forum Administrative team, assisting with patient guidance and participating in APOPS initiatives. She became a director on APOPS board, and remains actively engaged in APOPS vision, mission, and program development. Her prior experience within the Veteran’s Administration Volunteer Event Management team provided a valuable training ground to evolve APOPS projects and programs.
Alesa Arnett
Director of Fitness and Military Protocol
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Alesa Arnett attributes the onset of her POP to years of military physical fitness training, alongside a high-impact fitness boot camp. Her personal experience with prolapse led her to APOPS. Alesa is excited to collaborate with other women, shining a brighter light upon the APOPS mission, vision, and goals. After a 21-year career as a US Airforce medic, Alesa served in various clinical/leadership positions in both the US and Iraq. As a certified personal trainer and Women’s Coaching Specialist through the Girls Gone Strong Academy, Alesa has finally found joy in ‘retirement’ by both spending time with family and helping others as an American Legion Post Service Officer and facilitator.
Sheree DiBiase, PT
Director of Social Expansion
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Sheree DiBiase is a female entrepreneur, a mother, an educator and most importantly an advocate for women. Sheree is the Founder and President of Lake City Physical Therapy, a provider of personalized physical therapy services in the Northwest. With over 40 years of experience in the profession, Sheree developed a strong expertise in Women's Health, Oncology, Sports and Ortho. Her mission is to empower and educate patients, practitioners, staff, and community about optimizing health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Sheree is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of PTs. Married with three grown sons, Sheree loves the great outdoors, hiking, biking, skiing, and kayaking.
Terry Walker
Director of Health Education
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With a strong background in human development, education, and administration, Terry Walker co-founded a school and managed operations. Terry is passionate about making a positive impact and has contributed significantly to non-profit and community-based programming. She thrives in roles that blend education, organization, and outreach, with intent to support meaningful initiatives.
Medical Advisory Committee
APOPS would like to thank the urogynecologists, gynecologists, and urologists who support us in amplifying awareness and understanding of this cryptic, common condition.
Dr. Roger R. Dmochowski
MD, MMHC, FACS, FPMRS
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Dr. Dmochowski is a Professor at the Department of Urology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, and Director of the Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and supervisor of the Fellowship in Pelvic Medicine at Vanderbilt. He is also Clinical Assistant Professor in Surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland and chairs multiple additional positions within the Vanderbilt Health System.
Dr. S. Abbas Shobieri
MD, MBA, FACOG, FACS, CMPE, FPMRS
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Dr. Shobeiri is a gynecologic surgeon board certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. He is an expert in management of obstetric perineal and pelvic floor injury, 3D ultrasound imaging of pelvic floor, management of vaginal agenesis or stenosis, ultrasound imaging and management of vaginal mesh. His work in pelvic floor imaging and complex pelvic floor repair draws patients nationally and internationally.
Dr. Hugo H. Davilla
MD, FMPRS
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Dr. Davila is a board-certified urologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University, College of Medicine. Currently practicing at Florida Healthcare Specialists and Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital, his investigations include the evaluation of robotic surgical techniques and intraoperative imaging for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse.
Dr. Hichem Bensmail
MD, MMHC, FACS, FPMRS
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Dr. Hichem Bensmail is a globally-distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist practicing in France and Dubai. He specializes in both aesthetic and cosmetic gynecologic surgery and urogynecology. Dr Bensmail practices in both France and Dubai.
Dr. Stephanie Molden
MD, FACOG, FPMRS
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As the Director of Medicine at the Female Pelvic Health Center, Dr. Molden is a pioneer in Urogynecology and Female Cosmetic Gynecology. A lecturer, noted researcher, and leading educator on urogynecologic procedures, Dr. Molden is a proctor to an international list of surgeons.
Dr. Michael Goodman
MD, FACOG, IF, AAACS
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Dr. Goodman is a world-renowned gynecologist, surgeon, teacher, and menopause expert, specializing for decades cosmetic gynecology. Presently limiting his practice to female genital reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, he provides innovative and integrative women’s healthcare.
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Help us advocate for the health of our mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, and friends.