Support Natasha's Fight Against Endometriosis

**THANK YOU FOR HELPING MEET MY FIRST GOAL! ANY FUNDS RAISED ABOVE & BEYOND THIS INITIAL GOAL WILL BE USED FOR OTHER EXPENSES, INCLUDING MENTAL HEALTH & PHYSICAL THERAPY, AS WELL AS TO SUPPORT NATASHA THROUGH THE UNCERTAINTY CAUSED BY HER CURRENT INSURANCE PROVIDER ENDING COVERAGE FOR HER DOCTORS & HOSPITAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!**

My name is Natasha. I have Stage 3 recurring endometriosis, as well as adenomyosis. I have lived with these conditions since I was 10 years old, and had my first major surgery at age 20 resulting in the removal of my left ovary and a dissection of my bowels that were tied up into each other. These conditions cause extreme pain, fatigue, and a cascade of other issues that have progressed again to the point I must rely on family support for basic daily tasks like grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and more.

I've spent my career fundraising for various community causes, but am now in the unfortunate position of needing to fundraise for myself. Tests & scans have confirmed my bowels are again tied up into each other, and I am on a waitlist for another major surgery this spring/summer. During this surgery, a team of doctors will perform a hysterectomy, appendectomy, & either a resection or dissection of my bowels. They will also explore whether the endometriosis has spread beyond my pelvic cavity.

On top of being forced to cut back the number of hours I can work, I am also stuck with large medical bills for regular visits to the emergency room, visits to multiple doctors, repeated tests/scans, & many out-of-pocket expenses for treatments not covered by insurance. My conditions are so advanced that my medical team is at a research hospital out-of-state. I must travel 10 hours roundtrip just to see my doctors, & will need to spend nearly a week away from home for my surgery & recovery.

I have a great emotional & logistical support system, but I am struggling to keep up financially. I am aiming to raise $6,500, which is the total of my current insurance plan's out-of-pocket maximum. Any amount you can contribute is deeply appreciated. It has been a fight just to get where I'm at, and the journey isn't done. There is no cure for endometriosis, but I am hopeful that by undergoing this surgery, I will at least get some quality of life back.

In return, I promise to continue doing my best to "pay forward" what I have learned in this fight by advocating for others with endometriosis through knowledge sharing, mental health support, & speaking out about the need for better research into finding a cure for this condition that impacts nearly 1 in 7 women. Thank you for your support. If you are unable to contribute, please boost & share. We take care of us!