Hi, my name is Emily, and this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever written.

For years, I’ve been living with chronic pelvic pain that has quietly shaped nearly every part of my life—how I work, how I rest, how I plan, and how I move through the world. What many people don’t see is the constant balancing act behind the scenes: managing pain flares, navigating appointments, advocating for myself in medical spaces, and trying to maintain some sense of normalcy while my body often has other plans.

After a long and exhausting journey of tests, procedures, physical therapy, and trial-and-error treatments, I continue to receive care for complex pelvic pain related to endometriosis and pelvic floor dysfunction. While I’m deeply grateful to finally have providers who listen and take my pain seriously, the financial reality of ongoing care has become overwhelming.

Specialty care—surgeries, imaging, medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, recovery time, and out-of-network costs—adds up quickly. Many of these treatments are not fully covered by insurance, and some aren’t covered at all. At the same time, chronic pain doesn’t pause life’s other expenses, making it increasingly difficult to keep up.

I’m creating this GoFundMe to help cover medical and recovery-related costs so I can continue treatment without the constant fear of financial collapse hanging over every decision. This support would allow me to focus on healing, rather than having to choose between pain relief and basic needs.

Living with chronic illness has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of community. If you’re able to donate, share, or even send encouragement, please know that it means more than I can put into words. Your support directly helps me keep going—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for holding space for invisible illness, and for being part of my support system in whatever way feels right to you.