Hi my name Lilly Ridgway. I am a 21 year old from Wisconsin raising money to help pay for my medical bills and upcoming trip to Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN.

Going to Mayo Clinic is a decision that was not made lightly. Since December of 2021 I’ve had “dysfunctional bleeding”. For those who don’t know what “dysfunctional bleeding” is, in my case it means getting my period almost daily. This dysfunctional bleeding has taken over my life in ways I never thought it would and for last 3 years I’ve seen multiple doctors, had multiple tests, countless medication changes, physical therapy, procedures, ultrasounds, and even a surgery, yet I am still no closer to knowing what is causing this bleeding. It was after my recent surgery I called Mayo Clinic. Within 24 hours of making that call and then reviewing my chart I got a call back to set up an appointment. Mayo Clinic has helped a family member of mine in the past and has already shown me that they are going to do everything they can to help.

As I mentioned this started years ago, right around the time I turned 18. Graduating high school, starting college, working full time, moving out of my parents house, and being a new adult I now had to add medical bills and many appointments. I’m happy to say I graduated college with my Associates degree in criminal justice, I’ve kept a roof over my own head, and I’ve worked very hard to be where I am today, but unfortunately the medical bills have continued to pile up. I’m not one to ask for help and for years have kept this health issue very private but I’m at a point where I no longer can because I need help. These last three years have taken a lot from me but my health is not something I’ll give up on. I am determined to find out what has been causing this “dysfunctional bleeding”.

I’ll forever be greatful to those who have listened, taken me to appointments, held my hand, shared there own experiences to let me know I’m not alone, and everyone whose helped so far.

Any donation helps and I’ll be tremendously thankful to everyone who helps out. I appreciate the prayers, kindness and support more than anyone will ever know.

UPDATE: My appointment at Mayo in June went well. For the first time in a long time I was heard by doctors and a plan was put in place. My doctor suspected endometriosis and ordered an MRI. The MRI results did in fact show endometriosis. Though happy to get a diagnosis, it’s not an easy one. For those who do not know endometriosis is a whole body disease and is far more than “just a bad period”. There is currently no cure so the problems I was trying to solve will unfortunately only continue. I’ve been doing the treatment options given and consulted with a surgeon at Mayo Clinic. Later this month (December) I’ll be having an excision surgery. The hope with this surgery is to elevate symptoms for at most a few years and following surgery continue treatment to slow the progression as it grows back. Though this isn’t the news I was hoping for I am grateful to know what’s going on with my body and to have a team that is doing everything possible to help. Thank you all for your support through this. It’s a long road ahead but I know I’m in good hands❤️