BALTIMORE (AP) — Almost three years ago, Arion Long, who now lives in Canton, was on life support. She had lost her daughter during childbirth. While in the hospital, Long contracted E. coli sepsis, which put her in a coma.
Against the odds, two weeks later, she was off life support and successfully pitching her idea for natural, chemical-free feminine hygiene products at Hera Fast Pitch DC, a competition where for-profit startups vie for cash prizes.
Long won $10,000 that day — one of many times her company would be recognized for its efforts in this industry.
Her drive to succeed combined with being diagnosed with a cervical tumor in 2013 prompted Long to develop the natural products through her company Femly. Long believes her cancer was linked to chemicals in a feminine hygiene product.
Since 2018, Long’s Baltimore-based company has…
