To my dearest friends and family,

If you’ve been here for a while you know I’ve had an ongoing journey with a chronic health condition called Endometriosis.

Endometriosis (endo) is a chronic inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often causing severe pain, fatigue, and disruption to daily life. It affects around 14% of AFAB people in Australia. Due to long-standing gaps in medical research, endo has historically been difficult to diagnose and treat, and access to adequate care is still shaped by many systemic barriers.

Behind the scenes, I do a lot to make sure this disease doesn’t limit my creative life. However, after major flares since November and almost constant pain over the past few weeks, I’ve been advised to undergo urgent laparoscopic surgery. This will be my third surgery in just over three years.

The past few months have brought unexpected medical expenses and periods where I’ve been unable to work. Looking ahead to surgery and recovery over the next six weeks, I’m facing some financial uncertainty.

Your support will help raise $8,000 to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses, including:

Any support, no matter the size, would mean the world to me. For donations over $100, I’ll send a signed original drawing as a thank you — something gentle and creative to keep my hands busy while I’m recovering.

I am so committed to my beautiful creative life and keen to get back to it as quikly as possible. Over 2026 I’ll be teaching, doing residencies, creating new dance works and continuing to grow my company Zoë Bastin Dance. I am so determined to find a way to improve my health and get back to doing the work I love.

I’m also super passionate about sharing my journey to destigmatise this disease and share a bit more about the realities of living with chronic health issues. So stay tuned for more updates. I run a support group called Endo Cuties, if you, or someone you know would like to join please get in touch.

I'm incredibly grateful for my chosen family and loving community, knowing that I can reach out for help. I firmly believe in the power of mutual aid and eagerly anticipate the day when I can return the favor.

With heartfelt gratitude and all my love,

Zoë