Hello, my name is Lea Bacus. I am an international student pursuing my MBA in Melbourne. I arrived here with my husband in February 2023, hoping to build a better future together. However, my health has presented significant challenges. I’ve been battling severe endometriosis, a condition that has worsened over time and now requires urgent and complex surgical intervention.

My Story:

I was first diagnosed with endometriosis in 2022 in the Philippines. At the time, my symptoms were manageable with hormonal treatment. However, since moving to Australia, my condition has progressed significantly, exacerbated by the physical demands of my work.

In June 2024, I started experiencing unbearable pain in my lower abdomen, severe migraines, and extreme fatigue. Despite continuing hormonal treatment, my condition worsened. An ultrasound in July revealed multiple endometriosis lesions, and further investigations confirmed deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), which has affected my reproductive organs, bowel, and appendix.

I underwent my first laparoscopic surgery on October 15, 2024, where the surgeons discovered that my uterus, ovary, fallopian tubes, appendix, and intestine were stuck together due to endometriosis. Although some lesions were removed, the severity of the condition requires a second, more complex surgery.

Currently, the surgery is not yet scheduled as we need to prepare financially for the partial payments required for the procedure. I have been advised to undergo the surgery within the next six months, as delaying it further could pose significant risks.

The Upcoming Surgery:

This surgery will involve two specialists: a gynecologist surgeon and a colorectal surgeon, who will work together to separate and repair the adhesions caused by the endometriosis and remove the lesions. One of these lesions, a 4cm lesion located on my rectum, was identified during my recent MRI. This lesion has made bowel movements excruciatingly painful. The surgery is critical to improving my quality of life and preventing further complications.

The Financial Challenge:

The estimated cost of the surgery, hospital stay, anesthetist, and post-operative care is $20,000–$25,000 AUD. While my private health insurance covers some expenses, such as hospital fees and a portion of the surgeon's fees, there are significant out-of-pocket costs, particularly for the assistant surgeon and other associated services.

I had to stop working in August due to the debilitating pain, and my husband is currently the sole breadwinner. While we are grateful to have some family here on my husband’s side who are helping us, the financial burden remains immense.

How You Can Help:

*Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, will directly help me prepare for this life-changing surgery.

*Share: Please share my story with your friends, family, and social networks.

Your support will help cover:

-Specialist surgeon fees (gynecologist & colorectal surgeon)

-Hospital and theatre costs

-Anesthetist fees and medications

-Post-operative care

Updates on My Journey:

I promise to keep this page updated throughout my journey, sharing progress and milestones as I move closer to surgery and recovery. Your kindness will be acknowledged, and I want to make sure you know how much your support means to me.

Why This Means So Much:

Every day is a struggle. The pain is relentless, making simple tasks like sitting, walking, or attending my classes unbearable. Despite everything, I am determined to complete my degree, support my husband, and build a future where I can live without constant pain.

Your kindness and generosity will not only help me fund this surgery but also give me hope and a chance to reclaim my life.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your compassion and support mean the world to me and my family. I am deeply grateful for any help you can offer, whether through a donation or by sharing my story with others.

With humility and gratitude,

Lea Bacus