Paddling 100km to improve the lives of 1 in 10 Kiwi Women with Endo

Roughly 1 in 10 Kiwi women suffer from Endometriosis – I am one of these chicks. Growing up, extreme pain with periods and regular PMS hugely affected my everyday life; some days I was in too much pain to go to school, some weeks I couldn’t train or exercise, often I couldn’t see my friends, and sometimes I couldn’t even get out of bed.

My frustrations were finally heard by the supportive team at Endometriosis New Zealand. In 2019, I spoke to an ENZ advisor and within a month I underwent Laparoscopic surgery to confirm my diagnosis with endometriosis, and to remove the adhesions caused by the condition. The support I received from ENZ, a non-government funded organisation, enabled me to get my life back to where I wanted it to be.

Now, just over a year after my surgery, I am happy to say that my symptoms have significantly reduced and I am able to do things I never could; I can get through days without taking painkillers, I can enjoy spending time with my friends, and I can even exercise right throughout the month.

Countless females in New Zealand could benefit from the same support that I received from ENZ. To increase awareness about this condition, and the important role that ENZ plays in supporting those with endometriosis, I plan to kayak 100km on flatwater. I will do this on 19 December 2020. I have never attempted an undertaking of this scale, I have no idea how long it will take me, or if I can even do it. All going well, I will hopefully complete the 100km in 12 hours.

To celebrate my 21st birthday, I am aiming to raise $2100 to donate to Endometriosis New Zealand to support the work they do, supporting females in our community.

Every donation counts. 100% of the funds raised will go towards ensuring that those 1 in 10 females, have support around them to make sure they too, can lead their best lives regardless of their endometriosis.