Hello! My name is Anniston. I am a 19-year-old in Elmhurst, Illinois. I am creating this GoFundMe in hopes to raise some funds for an upcoming laparoscopy surgery and aftercare in May.

My story:

I have had my period since 4th grade (way too young...). Since then, I have had super heavy periods and excruciating period pains. In 2023, I started to notice I was experiencing abdominal pain every day. It started off as a low pain, and now two years later, it ranges from about a 6/10-10/10 pain each day. For years, doctors have just told me that painful periods are normal, and that it was probably just a gastrointestinal problem. I knew that during my first major pain flare up, being stuck in a bath tub screaming in pain and for help because I could not get up is not "normal." After having this first episode and getting an endoscopy done, doctors just simply did not want to help me at all, or would just prescribe me painkillers and steroids, which ended up damaging my body even more. On March 21st of this year, I met with an endometriosis excision specialist, who explained to me that my symptoms were NOT normal, and that every single symptom that I have are all signs of endometriosis. With this being said, I am happy to say that I've finally gotten 10 steps closer to the answers I've been searching for nearly 10 years, and now have a surgery in May! If you are able to donate to help with this surgery, anything is greatly appreciated. (Not 100% sure how much the surgery will cost yet, just starting out at $2,000.) Many, many thank you's in advance!