I've known Chloe was in pain for many years, but I never once heard her complain, be short, or even pessimistic about her situation. Rather than allowing the pain to harden her, she has grown more kind, patient, and compassionate towards others. She brings much-needed light to this ever-darkening world.

Chloe and her family live in Canada and have spent countless hours and money searching for a cure but to no avail. They've visited doctors, specialists, naturopathic providers, and anyone else who would listen. Still, nobody could get to the root of the problem until they found a specialist here in the States. The good news is her condition (Endometriosis) is entirely treatable, but it isn't cheap.

So many people love Chloe. I'm confident we can ease the burden she and her family are bearing by pitching in what we can. A little or a lot, it all adds up. They can worry about health while we worry about finances.

For those who are friends of friends and are wondering what kind of person Chloe is, here's an Instagram post from earlier this year that shows her wonderful, positive outlook

We love you, Chloe!

_

I've also asked her to describe her experience below -

Hi! My name is Chloe. I am almost 20 years old and am the oldest of four kids in my family. I am going to be getting surgery in Atlanta to remove endometriosis.

Endometriosis is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of your uterus, which causes chronic pain. Endo is not just very painful cramps but is a whole-body disease. Pain can happen anytime, not just when you are on your period. Around 1 in 10 women have endo. Endo is different in everyone, and endo has been found on every major body organ.

There is no known cause of endo, and it is often misdiagnosed as there is a normalization of pain with period cramps. A definitive diagnosis can only be given with laparoscopic surgery. If untreated, the pain will increase and may lead to fertility problems, which is why I want to proceed with this surgery.

I have been sick since I was a little girl, but my health really started to decline as I finished my last year of high school. I have pain in my stomach every time I eat. I struggle with frequent loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and sharp pains in my abdomen. I experience chronic back, knee, wrist, and hip pain, knee pain, frequent pain under my collar bone, sharp pains in my feet, neck pain, constant fatigue, anemia, brain fog, painful periods, SIBO, chest pain, constipation, rectal pain, vaginal pain, headaches and much more.

I have had many ultrasounds, x-rays, an MRI, an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, seen a pediatrician, a GI specialist, naturopaths, homeopaths, gone to the chiropractor, had physiotherapy, had countless blood tests and gone on all sorts of diets. After all these negative tests and dozens of different medications, doctors told me I was healthy and should look at psychology sessions or depression meds.

Fortunately, I was led to the CEC – Center for Endometriosis Care. Dr. Sinervo is a world-renowned endometriosis specialist and will perform surgery where he can excise endo for all areas that are affected in my body and significantly increase my quality of life.

He makes sure to cut out the endo from all areas, right from the root, which is different than a laser ablation surgery which can leave endo behind and will not clear up a patient's symptoms. 85% of Dr. Sinervo's patients will not have endo return in their bodies.

As I live in Canada, I do not have insurance in the States and will have to pay out of pocket. I am hoping to get this surgery in late November/early December.

I think many people wouldn't know I have a chronic illness because I try hard always to put on a good face. I never want to seem like I'm whining because everyone is going through something, but these past couple of years I've been in school have been hard.

After I'd get home from being at practicum all day, I would just lay on the couch till I went to bed due to the pain and fatigue. I always felt unproductive because I could never get anything done, study as much as I needed, or never want to go out with friends to do things; it has affected my mental health.

I am so grateful for God's guiding hand in my life and the support I feel from my intermediate and extended family. I am thankful I have this opportunity to raise awareness about what endo is, and I hope it will reach others struggling like me. If you want more information, you can check out the CEC website at https://centerforendo.com/.