Dana Raine
Dana is a literacy educator, social justice advocate, and survivor of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). At the age of 33, she made the difficult decision to undergo surgical menopause—via bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy—as a life-saving treatment for PMDD, foregoing her dream of biological motherhood in order to safeguard her mental and physical well-being.
Her journey has included years of navigating mental health challenges, pursuing single motherhood by choice through donor insemination, and ultimately redefining her vision of family and fulfillment. Dana is currently a PhD student in Educational Psychology, where her work continues to center the emotional and educational needs of children. She remains committed to nurturing the next generation and envisions a future that may include adoptive parenthood.