No More President

I was completely and totally devestated to find out last night that my mom has breast cancer. This has sent my whole world on a tail spin. My mom is a very close person in my life and... this is just the most horrible news I could have ever imagined. She will have surgery next week and then they will tell her if it has spread and if she needs to have a masectomy etc. PLEASE keep her in your prayers!

I resigned as President of the PCOSA Board of Directors this past weekend. There were many reasons, most of them I will not divulge. The most important reasons are of course my own health and my family. I wrote a letter letting people I have known and worked with through the PCOSA. You can read it below.

I will, however, continue to volunteer with PCOSLiving and Ian Stoakes. That has been such a rewarding experience for me that I must hang on to it. Ian Stoakes has been incredibly kind to me and he, as well as everyone at PCOSLiving (especially Tulin and Kerim and of course one my best friends on earth and kindred spirit, Amy), are very positive people I need to keep in my life.


Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that I am no longer working with the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association. After 5+ years of volunteer service, the time has finally came for me to hang up my hat. This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made. One reason I came to this decision is that my family really needs me now.

In the last few months we have gone through so much, including a sister dealing with progressive multiple sclerosis (this is very rare, only 5% of MS is progressive), my other sister was diagnosed with lung cancer, my dad had an aneurysm, and my nephew was sent to Iraq with the Army. As if that isn't enough stress for the average bear, I was devastated to find out today that my mom has breast cancer. This has put an enormous amount of strain on me and my family while I am trying to stay healthy while expecting baby #6 and homeschooling my children.

*sniped*

I would also be very appreciative if you would pray for my family. Thank you! Please keep in touch with me at tarra@heartl.com

Best Wishes,

Tarra Hartl

former President of the PCOSA ;o)


I want to say THANK YOU so much to all of the people who have written me kind letters already. I have received so many, in less than 24 hours of me telling the public that I resigned. I am so honored and so humbled.

People have said things that have been so uplifting, such as this:

~ Hopefully if I have any questions you can still answer them for me

~ you are exactly right to put your family and your family's health first! Your family is lucky

to have you.

~ I think that we all owe you a huge thank you for the years and countless hours of work for the PCOSA and women with PCOS everywhere. Your efforts have made a very posivite difference in the lives of many women and in the day to day operation of the PCOSA. I know that the PCOSA will miss your leadership and dedication

~ you absolutely are doing the right thing to make your family the priority and I want you to feel really good about all the good things that you have done with PCOS and the PCOSA and not feel one bit bad about stepping back.

~ I read you e-mail last night and want you to know you will always be in my prayers

~ You were great in your position. I understand it was too much.

~ I honestly didn't know how you did it all. I know that helping women with PCOS is near and dear to your heart, but your family is absolutely first.

~ I hope that you also take care of yourself. I hate to see you go.

~ I'm so sorry to see you go- You'd done an amazing job.

~ I *WILL* pray for your family and YOU always. I know I think of you lots and can NOT imagine all you do

~ Our thoughts are with you, and many thanks for all your help.

and many more offering support and prayers. This all just brings me to tears and warms my heart so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you.