My name is Haley. I’m 23 years old, and for years I have struggled with suspected endometriosis. It started with pain outside of my cycle, irregular bleeding, and being told my body would eventually regulate itself. Instead of improving, the pain has progressively and significantly worsened over the past year.

On my worst flare-up days, the pain makes it difficult to walk, sit upright, or function normally. On the “regular” days, I push through with a smile and try to appear okay, while quietly managing constant pain behind the scenes. Endometriosis is an invisible disease- and because of that, it is often misunderstood and minimized. But the impact on my daily life is very real.

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. These lesions and adhesions can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, and the outside of the uterus. In more severe cases, it can spread to the bowel, bladder, diaphragm, and even attach to nerves. In rare cases, it has been found in areas such as the lungs or brain.

This disease causes significant, unpredictable pain and can lead to infertility. When it affects the bowel or bladder, it can cause gastrointestinal and urinary complications. When it involves nerves, it can cause radiating pain and potential nerve damage. It presents differently in every person, which can make diagnosis and treatment more complicated.

Endometriosis lesions respond to hormonal changes in the body. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue becomes inflamed and can bleed internally. Unlike a normal menstrual period, this blood has nowhere to go. The result is inflammation, scar tissue, adhesions, and sometimes organs sticking together- all of which contribute to chronic and sometimes debilitating pain.

While medications and hormonal treatments may temporarily manage symptoms, they do not remove the disease itself. Excision surgery is a specialized procedure where a trained surgeon carefully cuts out the endometriosis lesions at the root. It is considered the gold standard treatment. It is currently the only method shown to effectively remove the disease rather than simply suppress symptoms.

After years of worsening pain and failed symptom management, surgery is no longer optional for me- it is necessary for my quality of life. My goal is not just temporary relief. It is to preserve my fertility, protect my organs, prevent further damage, and give myself a real chance at living without constant pain.

Living with this disease has not only taken a physical toll on my body, but it has also taken a financial and emotional one. Over the past year, as my symptoms have worsened, I have exhausted all of my paid time off due to severe flare-ups. I am now missing work unpaid during my worst pain days just to recover enough to function. Each month has become increasingly difficult to manage financially as the pain becomes more frequent and more intense.

The specialist I need to see for proper excision surgery is out of network with my insurance. The upfront cost for the surgeon’s fees alone is $5,000. This does not include additional hospital or anesthesia costs. Because this procedure requires a highly trained excision specialist, traveling is not optional. I will need to travel to Atlanta for the surgery and remain there for approximately five days for pre-op, surgery, and to safely recover for a few days before returning home. This is a mandatory precaution set by my surgeon. This adds additional expenses including transportation, lodging, food, and time away from work.

Asking for help is not easy for me. I have gone back and forth about creating this fundraiser because I always try to handle things on my own. Although, delaying this surgery will allow this disease to progress, potentially causing further organ damage and further threatening my future fertility. I am 23 years old, and I want the chance to live without constant pain. I want the chance to protect my body before the damage becomes irreversible.

Every donation, every share, and every prayer means more than I can put into words. Your support would not only help cover the financial burden of this surgery, but it would also give me hope- hope for relief, hope for healing, and hope for a healthier future.

More than anything, I want a future that isn’t defined by pain. I want the opportunity to protect my fertility and preserve my ability to become a mother one day- something I have always felt deeply called to. Endometriosis can quietly take that away if it continues to progress untreated. This surgery is not just about relieving pain right now; it is about protecting my body, my future, and the life I hope to build.

If you feel led to support me, whether through a donation or simply by sharing this fundraiser, it would mean more than I can express. Every contribution brings me one step closer to receiving the care I need and reclaiming my quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for caring, and for standing beside me during one of the hardest seasons of my life.

My goal consists of costs associated with the following expenses:

• Surgeon’s fees

• Hospital and anesthesia

• Travel, lodging, and food during required 5-day stay during initial recovery in Atlanta

• Recover some of lost wages during my struggle with Endometriosis