We’re raising funds to support our sister, Andi, who has been living for years with multiple serious, chronic health conditions, including Stage 4 Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Retroperitoneal Fibrosis. Each of these conditions on its own is life-altering, but together they create an ongoing and exhausting medical journey that requires constant care and management.

What we know now is that her body is simply unpredictable. One day she may feel okay, and the next she can be bedridden in excruciating pain for days at a time. There’s no warning, no clear pattern, and very little relief.

For some background: Stage 4 Endometriosis is tissue similar, but not identical, to the lining of the uterus that is found elsewhere in the body. This chronic, highly inflammatory disease creates lesions that become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain, scar tissue formation, and organ dysfunction. Even though it is most commonly found in the pelvis, other possible locations include but are not limited to: the bladder, bowels, appendix, diaphragm, lungs, and kidneys. To date, endometriosis has been found in every organ in the body. Andi has already undergone four surgeries. PCOS brings hormonal and metabolic challenges that must be continuously managed. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome affects connective tissue throughout the body, leading to chronic pain, instability, and complications across multiple systems. Retroperitoneal Fibrosis is a rare inflammatory condition that can impact vital organs and requires close, ongoing oversight by specialists.

Managing all of this is not a one-time event. It means constant appointments with multiple specialists, advanced imaging, procedures, supportive therapies, and medications that are, quite honestly, insanely expensive. Even with insurance, the cost of simply maintaining her health is staggering. Prescriptions alone can total thousands of dollars each month, before factoring in doctor visits, testing, travel to specialists, and other essential care. The financial burden is constant and unrelenting, and it has reached a point that is no longer sustainable.

For years, Andi has fought quietly and persistently, navigating our complex medical system, advocating for herself at every turn, and doing everything she could to manage her health without asking for financial help.

Reaching out now has not been easy. It comes after exhausting every option and recognizing that long-term care is more than one person can carry alone. Accepting help also means accepting the reality that these conditions are serious and ongoing.

We need a village.

This fundraiser exists to help cover essential medical expenses and provide some stability during an incredibly challenging chapter. More than anything, it gives Andi the chance to focus what limited energy she has on treatment and healing, instead of constantly worrying about how to afford the care her body needs.

Any support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, truly makes a difference. Thank you for being part of the community helping carry this burden.

Endometriosis is still widely misunderstood, if you’d like to better understand what endometriosis really is, there’s a powerful, award-winning short documentary called This Is Endometriosis. It’s just 20 minutes long and offers a glimpse into what living with this disease can look like. You can watch it here: https://www.thisisendo.com/watch-this-is-endometriosis