Half marathon for Endometriosis NZ

Hello my friends,

Before you read my story- I would like to say from the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful for all the love and support I / we have received for this fundraiser.

To say this has been a journey would be an understatement.

Yesterday Lizzie and I completed a half marathon and 10km event to raise awareness for Endometriosis Nz.

In 2 days time I am having a hysterectomy.

I never thought in a million years I would be faced with a decision like this in my thirties. But after years of chronic pain with endometriosis, which has meant hardly a single day without discomfort, horrific periods and constant pressure in my pelvis, my husband Brandon and I decided to choose quality of life.

For those who don’t know what endometriosis is: Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease estimated to affect 176 million girls and women worldwide in their reproductive years and 120,000 individuals in New Zealand. This means that roughly 1 in 10 women in New Zealand will have endometriosis. In most cases there can be symptoms including period pain, pelvic pain and sub-fertility or infertility. Endometriosis happens when tissue that looks and acts like the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. Painful menstrual cramps is the most common symptom of endometriosis. The growths outside the uterus swell and bleed with the menstrual cycle, just as the endometrium does. When the blood has nowhere to go, it can get trapped. This irritates the surrounding areas causing pain. Over time scars can form and in some cases, constant chronic pain can develop.

Some days are harder than others, especially seeing my pals with their gorgeous children, which I so desperately want, but this is our journey. My ovaries are being left - so surrogacy is an option should we choose to go down that path, but for now our focus is on getting through and healing our hearts.

You will be donating to Endometriosis NZ ♥️

So many women in NZ are suffering and statistically on average it takes 8 years to diagnose. Endometriosis doesn't discriminate and doesn’t have to be suffered in silence. If a loved one has any symptoms that may be related, it’s definitely worth talking to your GP and exploring options before going on down this permanent irreversible path that I am about to endure. There are ways of managing endo and there is wonderful support available.

I want to extend a huge thanks to Jon Thom from the print room in Dunedin for sponsoring the printing on our tops. He is an insanely clever artist too and such a good boy. We are stoked to have his support. The Print Room make creating custom clothing & promo products easy. They are NZ's leading full service t-shirt printing, embroidery and promotional product experts. Jon and the team create custom clothing & promo products people love to wear and talk about- we sure rate our customised singlets!

Lastly thank you to all of those who have been on this ride with me so far -

My patient loving husband, my incredible family, my work mates and all my friends who have all been so understanding x

Let’s go!!! X