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He wāhi ngahau, he wāhi hono | Connection · creativity · community
Chronically Fabulous
Chronic illness might be part of our lives, but it doesn’t mean friendship, fun and new experiences have to disappear. Chronically Fabulous brings people living with chronic pain and chronic illness together through enjoyable, accessible activities and shared experiences.
More than just living with chronic illness
Connection without having to explain
Living with chronic pain or illness can be incredibly isolating.
Pain, fatigue, reduced mobility, financial pressures and unpredictable symptoms can make everyday social activities difficult. Even something as simple as meeting a friend for coffee can require planning, energy and recovery time.
And sometimes the hardest part is feeling like nobody really understands.
That’s why we created Chronically Fabulous.
We want to help remove some of those barriers by creating opportunities for people to connect, build friendships, explore their interests and experience something enjoyable in a supportive environment.
This isn’t another medical appointment, treatment programme or support group where you have to talk about your illness.
It’s about having fun, making memories, discovering new experiences and being around people who understand that some days are harder than others.
Our initial activities will focus on Wellington, Lower Hutt, Porirua and the wider Wellington region, with hopes to expand into other parts of Aotearoa as the programme grows.
Nau mai, haere mai
You don’t have to have endometriosis to join us
Although Chronically Fabulous is an Endo Warriors Aotearoa initiative, it isn’t exclusively for people with endometriosis.
The programme is primarily designed for people living with:
- Endometriosis or suspected endometriosis
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Persistent or chronic pain
- Other related chronic health conditions
Ideas we’re exploring
What could we get up to?
We’ve got plenty of ideas for Chronically Fabulous! From relaxed café catch-ups and creative workshops to movies, outings and new experiences, we’re exploring different ways to bring people together.
Our activities will be shaped by community interests, accessibility, available funding and partnerships with local businesses.
Coffee, Food & Connection
Café meet-ups, afternoon tea, high tea, picnics, shared meals and relaxed social gatherings.
Arts & Entertainment
Movies, theatre, comedy, exhibitions, museums, galleries and local performances.
Explore & Experience
Accessible recreation, bowling, local attractions, wildlife experiences, community outings and new adventures.
Relax & Recharge
Gentle movement, relaxation sessions, creative wellbeing activities and low-pressure self-care experiences.
Something Special
Occasional sponsored experiences, workshops and activities made possible through community partnerships.
Ideas, not confirmed events
These are examples of activities we’re exploring, not confirmed events. What we offer will depend on community interest, accessibility, funding and partnerships.
No judgement. No pressure. Just community.
Come as you are. Really.
You don’t have to pretend you’re feeling well to belong here.
We understand that chronic illness is unpredictable. You might register for an event feeling great and wake up on the day unable to attend. We get it.
We simply ask that you let us know as soon as possible if you can’t make it, so we can offer your place to someone else where possible.
Come as you are.
Individual event cancellation and refund conditions may apply where external costs have already been committed.
Whai wāhitanga | Access and inclusion
Accessibility matters
We know accessibility looks different for everyone. Some people need wheelchair access. Others need comfortable seating, regular breaks, quieter spaces, shorter activities or clear information about how much walking is involved.
We aim to provide practical accessibility information for each event so participants can decide whether it suits their individual needs.
What event information may include
- Wheelchair and mobility access
- Accessible toilets
- Seating and rest opportunities
- Walking and standing requirements
- Parking and public transport
- Noise, lighting and sensory considerations
- Support-person arrangements
- Opportunities to take breaks or leave early
Activity energy guides
Simple guides will help you understand the likely pace and physical demands of an activity.
Low Energy
Mostly seated with minimal walking or physical activity.
Moderate Energy
Some walking, standing or movement, with opportunities to rest.
Higher Energy
More sustained movement or physical participation.
These are guides only. Everyone experiences chronic illness, pain and fatigue differently.
Keeping activities affordable
Fun shouldn’t be out of reach
Living with chronic illness can bring significant financial challenges.
We want Chronically Fabulous activities to be as affordable as possible. With the help of grants, sponsorships and community partnerships, we aim to offer free, low-cost or subsidised activities wherever possible.
Where funding allows, fully funded places may also be available. Prices and funded places will depend on the individual event and available funding.
Choose the option that best reflects your circumstances — no judgement and no explanation required.
Student
For participants currently studying.
Unwaged / Low Income
For participants unable to work, receiving a benefit, on a low income or experiencing financial hardship.
Waged
For participants who are working and able to contribute the standard amount.
Pay It Forward
For those who may wish to contribute a little extra to help another person participate.
Our very first Chronically Fabulous event
Our first Chronically Fabulous event!
Free · Limited capacity · Registration required
Endo Empathy Author Talk & Community Gathering
Saturday 28 November 2026 · 4:30–6:00pm
Aurelia Books · 109 Willis Street, Wellington
We’re kicking off Chronically Fabulous with a special community gathering at Aurelia Books in Wellington.
Join us for an author talk and conversation with Nat, author of Endo Empathy, alongside Yessenia Sandoval, Founder of Endo Warriors Aotearoa, and Brodie from Aurelia Books.
It’s an opportunity to connect, share experiences, meet others and enjoy a welcoming community space.
View Event Details & RegisterLet’s make community more accessible
Local businesses, we’d love to work with you!
Chronically Fabulous is about helping people living with chronic pain and illness experience more of what their communities have to offer.
We’d love to partner with businesses, venues, activity providers and community organisations that share our vision of making social experiences more accessible and inclusive. You don’t need to be a large business or provide financial sponsorship to make a difference.
Host an Experience
Welcome a small group for a workshop, activity, outing or social experience.
Offer a Discount
Provide discounted group rates, vouchers or special offers to make activities more affordable.
Donate a Place
Gift participant places to someone who might otherwise miss out because of cost.
Sponsor an Activity
Help cover a community event, refreshments, accessibility support or participant places.
Contribute Products or Gifts
Provide samples, vouchers, refreshments, small gifts or items for community events.
Help Make Activities Accessible
Offer quieter sessions, accessible spaces, flexible participation or practical support.
Community Partner Recognition
Businesses supporting Chronically Fabulous may be acknowledged through EWA social media, event promotions, the EWA website, programme materials and community partner acknowledgements.
Recognition will depend on the type of partnership and be agreed with each business.
Interested in supporting Chronically Fabulous?
We’d love to hear from you, whether you can offer a few vouchers, host an activity, provide a discount or sponsor an entire event.
Become a Community PartnerFollow the journey
More fabulous things are coming!
We’re just getting started, and we’d love you to be part of the journey.
As Chronically Fabulous grows, we’ll be working with local businesses, community organisations and our community to create more opportunities to connect, explore and enjoy new experiences.
Follow Endo Warriors Aotearoa on social media to hear about new activities and opportunities as they’re announced.
Pātai | Frequently asked questions
A few things you might be wondering
Do I need to have endometriosis to attend?
No. Chronically Fabulous welcomes people living with chronic pain and related chronic health conditions. Individual event eligibility may vary.
Do I have to attend every event?
Not at all. Choose the activities that interest you and suit your health, energy and availability.
What if I need to cancel because I’m unwell?
We understand that flares happen. Please let us know as early as possible. Event-specific cancellation or refund conditions may apply.
Can I bring a support person?
Some events will allow support people, partners, friends or whānau to attend. Check the individual event information.
Are activities free?
Some will be free, while others may have a small contribution. We aim to keep activities affordable and offer funded places where possible.
What if I have accessibility requirements?
We aim to provide clear accessibility information for every activity. You’re welcome to contact EWA before registering to discuss your needs.
Do I need to talk about my illness?
Absolutely not. Chronically Fabulous is about enjoying activities and connecting with people, not having to discuss medical experiences.
Life beyond appointments and symptoms
Life with chronic illness can still be fabulous
Some days, getting out of bed is an achievement.
Other days, we might have enough energy to try something new, meet a friend or enjoy an afternoon out.
Chronically Fabulous is about making room for those moments, whatever they look like.
You don’t need to be pain-free, full of energy or having a good health day to belong.
Come as you are. Connect when you can. Have fun your way.
Chronically Fabulous is proudly an initiative of Endo Warriors Aotearoa.