Help Áine pay for surgery

Hello! My name is Áine. I’m an artist who loves making zines and rambling about the GAA (Mayo for Sam). I’m looking for your help to raise money for a life-changing surgery!

I have endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Over time, I’ve realised I have had symptoms of endo since I was six years old, but have been repeatedly misdiagnosed or my symptoms were ignored or not listened to. I got a diagnosis of fibromyalgia three years ago, and a medical diagnosis of endometriosis in November 2020. My quality of life has been deteriorating since I was sixteen, and has gotten much worse in the past eighteen months due to endometriosis. I frequently vomit and pass out from the pain. The hope for this surgery is that it will lessen this pain I experience daily and protect my organs from further damage.

I have found it impossible to get experienced help in Ireland, so I am travelling to Birmingham to get expert excision surgery, with the support of a colorectal surgeon to prevent further damage to my bowels. This level of surgery and care is not currently provided in Ireland.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the costs of surgery, travel costs, PCR tests and accommodation. The surgery will cost €12,000, accommodation is €985 and flights, PCR tests and travel costs amount to approximately €700. I’m covering some of this myself, but cannot afford to cover all of it. This is why I’m asking for your help! Every donation makes it more possible for me to live a happier, less painful life. After a successful surgery, I look forward to being able to work on things I’m passionate about, and to see the people I love more without needing a week to recover.

Yours in constant pain (for now?),

Áine