Support Danielle's Urgent Endometriosis Care

Hi, my name is Danielle Leihenseder. I am 32 years old and have dealt with severe endometriosis symptoms since around the age of 10 years old. At that time, I had never heard of Endo. My boyfriend and I have been together for over 12 years and have had guardianship of his niece since 2022. I worked at Buffalo Wild Wings in Galesburg for 14+ years. I have been unable to work at all due to my medical condition. My boyfriend is trying his best to help provide for us.

I had been in and out of doctors since the age of 17 trying to figure out what was wrong. I finally found a doctor in 2017 that diagnosed me with endometriosis and removed a large blood-filled cyst and my left ovary. Soon after that surgery, symptoms returned and I was again in and out of doctors. I found a great doctor in 2023 that listened to me and understood exactly what I was dealing with. This doctor performed my second surgery, which turned into a hysterectomy with my right ovary being left. With this surgery, most of my organs were stuck together by endo and twisted. They were unable to get it all. I was then diagnosed with rectal endometriosis.

Since I was 17 years old, I have also passed over 20 kidney stones and had to have a few surgeries due to the stones being too big to pass. I was also diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in 2024 along with fibrocystic breast disease. My endometriosis symptoms have gotten worse to the point where I am in severe pain 24/7. I had 3 ER visits this last month due to the pain and symptoms. The doctors told me to go to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. I went to the Mayo Clinic and now have several appointments with the head endometriosis doctor there. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic does not accept out-of-state insurance or the kind I have. I have been told that all expenses will need to be paid before or at the time of all appointments.

At this point, I have been through so many doctors in my area and surrounding areas, and they have all sent me to the Mayo Clinic. I have always been an active person and have always tried to help anyone out that I could. I hate to ask for help, but I am so over being in pain. After this surgery, I am really hoping I will not need another one for a few years. Sadly, there is no cure for endometriosis. You just have to find ways to manage your symptoms until they get too bad, then you have to get an "endometriosis clean out" to remove the endo. I just want to be able to be there for my family and for our 11-year-old niece that we have guardianship of. There is much more to it, but this is an idea of what I have been going through the last few years. I understand I may never be symptom and pain-free, but being in severe pain 24/7 is not the way I would like to live. If you could please find it in your heart to help me make this happen, I would be so grateful. I feel like the Mayo Clinic is my last chance to find the help I need. Thank you! I have been told about another treatment option. The place is a Endometriosis care center in Atlanta, Georgia. my insurance is still not accepted there but I can put a large amount down & do a payment plan for the rest. All funds will be used for medical cost, travel expenses to get the care needed & living expenses. If I can get into the treatment center in Atlanta before my appointments at the Mayo clinic then I will be going there. Thank you!