My journey with Endometriosis began at just 10 years old, when I first got my period. As a child, I suffered through heavy bleeding and agonizing pain that doctors dismissed as “normal.”  I was diagnosed with Precocious Puberty, and I was placed on a drug called Lupron, which stopped my periods completely for a few years, and in effect, it put my body into early menopause as a little girl. When the medication ended, the pain returned, and I was put on birth control to try and manage the symptoms. For years, I lived with severe pain, bloating, heavy periods, and exhaustion, but no real answers. Doctors continued to insist it was “just part of being a woman.”

In 2014, I had surgery to remove an ovarian cyst, and that’s when my OBGYN discovered and lasered some Endometriosis. He gave me very little information and made it sound like something I would live with forever. After that surgery, my body went into cycles of debilitating flare-ups. The pain was so intense that it pushed me to start researching Endometriosis for myself.

Through that research, I found an online support group full of women and medical professionals who truly understood this disease. For the first time, I met people who knew what I was going through. It was in this group that I learned about excision surgery, the gold standard treatment. I also learned that there are very few true Endometriosis specialists in the country. Most OBGYNs only perform ablation, which burns the disease but doesn’t remove it from the root, exactly what was done during my surgery in 2014.

In 2019, I had my first excision surgery. It brought relief for a while, but not full healing. Endometriosis is not just a reproductive disease; it’s a whole-body disease with deep inflammation. During my surgery, they discovered the disease not only in my reproductive organs, but in other areas of my body as well.

Over the past several months, my pain has returned and become intense and constant. It affects every part of daily life. Even though I am naturally joyful, I am living in severe pain every single day. Simple things like walking, standing, sitting, and even getting out of bed are becoming harder. My brain fog makes it difficult to focus. My “endo belly” stays swollen and painful. Even wearing clothes hurts. Pain medication doesn’t help.

Emotionally, this has been one of the hardest seasons of my life. I cry often, I cancel plans, and I feel like I’m letting people down. I don’t feel like myself. And yet, I hold onto my faith. I know that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted, and that He sees my suffering and will not waste it. Holding onto hope is sometimes the hardest part, but I keep trying.

A few months ago, I saw a friend share about her successful excision surgery with a specialist in New York City. I reached out to her, then to her surgeon, and after speaking with him, I finally felt something I hadn’t felt in a long time: hope. His success rate, his technique, and his low recurrence rate gave me confidence that this is the best path toward healing and a better quality of life. On December 18th, 2025, I will be having excision surgery with Dr. Kanayama at the New York Endometriosis Center.

Due to large out-of-pocket expenses for this surgery, I have done everything I can on my own, and now I am bravely and humbly asking for help.

How funds will be used:

• Specialist surgeon and hospital fees

• Travel and lodging for surgery and recovery

• Post-operative care and medications

After surgery, I will continue using my voice to bring hope to women walking through this disease and to educate others about Endometriosis. I will keep advocating, and I pray that in my lifetime, alongside the 1 in 10 women affected, we will see a cure.

Any support, donations, sharing my story, or prayer would mean more than I can express. I am trusting God for healing, restoration, and the chance to live without constant pain.

Thank you for reading, caring, and standing with me in this difficult season.

With love and gratitude,

Ticalle