A Future with Less Pain: Help Fund Raina’s Endo Surgery

Hi, I'm Raina. I'm 34, and I have stage 4 endometriosis.

On June 20, I underwent excision surgery with Dr. Nicholas Kongoasa in Atlanta — one of the few specialists in the country truly trained to remove endometriosis at its root and promote integrative aftercare. After years of pain, confusion, and misdiagnosis, I am happy to have found a path forward — and I took it.

During surgery, Dr. Kongoasa discovered deep infiltrating endometriosis affecting my bowels, and had to remove my appendix, which had been compromised. The recovery hasn’t been easy, but the relief from relentless pain and the chance to feel at peace in my body again has made it more than worth it.

The surgery and recovery stay came to $8,500 out-of-pocket, plus $800 in hotel costs while healing far from home. I was able to secure 12-month interest-free financing, and while I’m deeply grateful for that, the monthly payments are still a challenge as I recover and try to rebuild my energy, strength, and financial stability.

Endo changed every part of my life — physically, emotionally, professionally. I used to be an avid dancer, a doctoral researcher, and someone who loved to move through the world with energy and purpose. Over time, that world shrank. Even walking became painful, and brain fog, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue became my normal.

I’ve done everything I could to manage naturally — from gut healing and bioidentical progesterone to clean nutrition, acupuncture, and integrative care — but it simply wasn’t enough anymore. I was having multiple large endometriomas over 10cm every few months, with intense bloating and pain.

To stay afloat, I took a remote job at lower pay so I could manage symptoms from home. I’ve missed dancing, time with family, and the career I once chased so hard. But I’ve also poured my experience into something meaningful: my page, @bloom.beyond.endo, where I share honestly about the journey — what helps, what doesn’t, and what I wish I knew sooner. That space has become a lifeline, not just for me, but for so many others navigating this invisible illness.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you. If you feel moved to contribute to my healing journey — even just a few dollars — it would mean the world. And if that’s not possible, sharing this page or sending prayers is just as impactful.

Your donation helps with:

- Monthly payments toward my $8,500 surgery bill

- Recovery expenses like supplements, acupuncture, and pelvic therapy

- Allowing me to keep creating free resources for the endo community

I’m hopeful that this is my turning point — toward more movement, more life, and hopefully, dancing again.