I am living with endometriosis for over 28 years. During this time I have been an active volunteer with Endometriosis UK, Endometriosis Association fo Ireland and as an advocate online.  Like the majority of women in Ireland, I had to fight for a diagnosis and it was 8 years of suffering before I was diagnosed. I was one of the lucky ones, I had a medical knowledge that led me to endometriosis as a possible cause for the debilitating pain. I have had 7 surgeries and countless medications, procedures and treatments to help manage my endometriosis. I now live with severe chronic pain that affects my daily life.  I use a combination of medications, diet, exercise, self-management techniques and mindfulness to help manage.

10km is not a lot to most people, but for those with daily chronic pain, it can seem like 100km.  The 240km journey to Dublin and then the same back to Donegal alone will bring on a pain flare. Walking the route with my team will bring awareness and vital funds to the EAI.  As Chairperson, it is important to show my support and solidarity with the 155,000 women in Ireland living with endometriosis. I would like to see a day in Ireland where people will not ask Endo What? 

The EAI is a tiny charity and relies on memberships (we have less than 100 members) and fundraising to continue our work.  The EAI is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year.  Help us to make it our most successful year to date. 

Helping to raise awareness of the Endometriosis Association of Ireland and the 1 in 10 Women in Ireland living with the condition. Endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for an average of 9 years and many women suffer misdiagnoses, stigma and being told their pain is "all in their head". Young women are ofter referred to mental health services ahead of a gynaecologist. The Endometriosis Association of Ireland provides a lifeline of support and information to those affected by endometriosis - family, partners, friends, employers and of course, women living with endometriosis.

Endometriosis symptoms: Pelvic pain, painful periods (severe), painful ovulation, painful sex, pain with bowel or bladder movements, rectal bleeding, fatigue, nausea, "Endo Belly" Bloating, Back Pain, Leg Pain, Cyclical Symptoms.

If you know 10 women - you know endometriosis.

In Ireland, there are NO specialist centres for the treatment of endometriosis. Excision surgery is not widely practised. Women are often not given the full information about their condition. Women are subjected to repeated surgeries destroying fertility, dreams of a family and leaving them in a life of chronic pain.  Endometriosis should be a case of "one surgery - done right" combined with good self-management and team work with the medical team. 

More information on www.endometriosis.ie