My Story

This community came to life in the early hours of a Sunday morning in February 2020. I was in agony, repeatedly visiting the hospital, and felt like nobody was listening to me. I was exhausted from feeling alone and ignored, and after 20 years of having endo i. was told of no support out there for me.  So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and create a community where people like me could find help and support, where they wouldn't have to feel alone anymore and were everyone was welcome.

My own journey with endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, adhesions, and other ailments spanning almost two decades has been anything but smooth. It has felt like a never-ending rollercoaster ride that I can't get off.  I've undergone multiple surgeries to rid myself of endometriosis, suffered numerous pregnancy losses, spent countless hours in hospitals, my mental health has suffered due to constant gaslighting, and I have cried many tears, There have been times, as a single mother, when I've had my period for over six months, that I went through more than one box of super tampons, or 2 packs of pads a day and the fact I needed an iron infusion because I bled so much. Between the cost of period products, taking time off work, going to doctors' appointments, and trying to manage, endo, PCOS and life in general, it was hard, so I get it. I understand what it's like to have to fight for answers and be taken seriously

Endo Warriors Aotearoa is a charitable organization that aims to raise awareness and provide education about endometriosis and menstruation. Our goal is to improve the support and medical care available for those affected by Endometriosis (Endo) and to combat period poverty in our community. We provide free period products to those in need and offer period education in schools. We support individuals of all genders who have Endometriosis or menstruate, and our dedicated team is committed to advocating for a better future for those affected by these issues. We empower individuals, their workplaces, and their whānau by providing menstrual health and endometriosis (Endo) resources and education workshops. Our focus is on long-term care of those with endo, and creating an Aotearoa where doctors and specialists have a better understanding of endo, better guidelines for diagnosing and treating endo and collaborating and doing more research on endo.  Right now we are doing a case study on medical cannabis and CBD with those that have endo and/or pelvic pain so we can show the medical system the benefits of these treatments and break down some of the stigma.

Through donations (both physical and financial), we source items for our surgery care boxes and provide support and resources for individuals and whānau. We also act as a voice for the endometriosis community, advocating for better medical care and support from the medical system. Our donations go directly to our local community partners and individuals in need.

Our illness may be invisible, but we are not.

 Yessenia x