Hi, I'm Raina. I'm 34, and I have stage 4 endometriosis.

On June 20, I’m scheduled for excision surgery with Dr. Nicholas Kongoasa in Atlanta — one of the few specialists in the country truly trained to remove endometriosis at its root. It’s a surgery I’ve hoped for, researched deeply, and now need more than ever.

The out-of-pocket cost is $8,500, plus $800 for five nights of hotel recovery. I’ve been approved for 12-month interest-free financing, but I’m reaching out with humility to ask for support in making those payments.

Endo has affected every part of my life — physically, emotionally, professionally. I used to be a salsa dancer, an ambitious researcher with a PhD in environmental modeling, and someone who loved being active and engaged in the world. Over the years, that world has gotten smaller.

I've been dealing with intense fatigue, brain fog, severe digestive issues, and multiple endometriomas over 10cm. Even walking is painful some days. I’ve done everything I could — gut healing, bioidentical progesterone, nutrition, integrative care. But it’s no longer enough.

To stay afloat, I’ve taken remote work at a lower salary just to manage symptoms from home. I’ve missed out on dancing, on time with friends, and on pursuing the career I trained so hard for.

But I’ve also tried to turn my struggle into something meaningful. I run a patient advocacy page, @bloom.beyond.endo, where I share what’s helped, what hasn’t, and what I wish I’d known sooner. It’s been a lifeline — not just for me, but for the community it’s built.

If you feel moved to give — even just a few dollars — I would be deeply grateful. And if you can’t donate, sharing this page is just as meaningful. I’m so thankful for every bit of support as I work toward a future with less pain, more movement, and hopefully, a chance to dance again.

Thank you for reading and for caring.

With all my heart,
Raina