Cassie's Battle with Endometriosis

I am writing on behalf of my daughter, Cassie, who has once again been hospitalized due to complications from her Endometriosis. This hospitalization was caused by her IUD, which was placed to support her hormone therapy, shifting and perforated through her uterus. She was rushed to the emergency room and immediately taken into surgery. It has now been seven days since the procedure, and she remains on around-the-clock narcotics to manage her pain. Unfortunately, her recovery—along with the numerous appointments and surgeries ahead—means she is unable to work at this time.

As many of you know, Cassie has been battling this disease since she was twelve years old. Her journey began with periods that lasted six months and many nights spent in the

emergency room. At fourteen, Cassie underwent her first exploratory surgeries, and by fifteen, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis. For those unfamiliar with the

condition, Endometriosis is a debilitating disease in which tissue that normally lines the uterus begins to grow outside of it, causing extensive damage to surrounding organs. This can lead to fused organs, nerve damage, chronic pain, fertility issues, and more.

Cassie lives with chronic pain every day. Her condition has already necessitated the removal of her gallbladder and caused severe complications with her bowel function. Due to the aggressive nature of her Stage 4 Endometriosis, she has required laparoscopic surgeries almost every year since her diagnosis. These procedures have resulted in significant nerve pain and scar tissue, severely impacting her quality of life. She is now under the care of the IWK Endometriosis team, as well as a chronic pain specialist. Her treatment plan includes an extensive regimen of pain medications and hormone therapy, along with nerve blocker and trigger point injections to help numb the nerve damage.

Despite the extreme pain and numerous setbacks, Cassie continues to amaze us all. She is

strong, beautiful, and resilient. She moved to Halifax to pursue her dreams, creating a cozy

apartment for herself while working as a server. On top of that, Cassie is in her third year at

Dalhousie University, managing her finances independently. She truly is a rockstar.

However, at this moment, her health must be her priority. With several surgeries, tests, and appointments ahead, Cassie simply cannot continue working. We are asking for your help during this difficult time while we await financial assistance to support her. Your contributions will help cover her living expenses, allowing her to focus on recovery without the overwhelming stress of losing her ability to continue her education or maintain her apartment.

Anything you can offer will be deeply appreciated as we work to support Cassie through this challenging journey.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for taking the time to read Cassie’s story.

Missy and Cassie