One of my dearest friends, Janessa, and I share many things in common--we are both artists, we both have cats, and we both love fashion and fantasy stories. Something else we have in common is a debilitating, full-body inflammatory disease called endometriosis.

Endometriosis is one of the most painful diseases a human being can experience, being compared to or even worse than unmedicated childbirth. It acts nearly identical to cancer in that its aggressive cells can grow anywhere in the body, its masses appear and have stages like cancerous growth, and it requires surgical removal. In spite of the disease affecting 1/10 women (and even some men), it on average takes 7-10 years to diagnose due to both limited knowledge and medical gaslighting. No one knows for certain what endometriosis is or how it forms other than that it mimics the endometrium (the lining of the uterus), is fed on estrogen, but grows like cancer. Pain is heightened during menstruation, but is often constant. Up until recently, diagnosis could only be made via an invasive laparoscopic surgery, which, if endometriosis is found visible in the body cavity, can also be used to remove the lesions. Often, the lesions grow back, but surgery buys at least a few years of relief for the patient.

I received this surgery this past June after over eight years of debilitating pain. My friend Janessa has waited longer. For the first time since I can remember, I have had the privilege of being able to function while on my period, without the nausea, bloating, chills, stabbing pain, joint pain, blacking out, and the plethora of other symptoms. Walking, talking, and eating normally while on my period are not things I take for granted. I want to help Janessa experience the same relief. Chronic illness affects every part of a person's life, but the most urgent aspect is often the financial. Many people, myself included, are unable to work a "normal" job, and thus treatment often feels impossible. I have loved ones to thank for the privilege of finally getting a diagnosis and excision surgery. This is my way of supporting Janessa the way she has supported me all these years through her empathy and love. My hope is that she will be able to have this surgery before my wedding, so that she can fully enjoy the day as my bridesmaid without pain.

Thank you so much for reading. Please share this with as many people as you can. Even if you are unable to support Janessa financially, please support her dreams by following her small business:

https://dandylion-glow.myshopify.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dandylionglow/

https://www.tiktok.com/@dandylionglow

God bless you,

Kathleen Milligan