Join the endo challenge

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month in New Zealand, with the theme ‘Let’s Talk Endo: Opening Conversations, Inspiring Understanding, Empowering Change’.

Chief executive of Endometriosis New Zealand, Tanya Cooke says this year’s awareness theme is all about fostering an informed and supportive community for New Zealanders with endometriosis.

That includes ensuring that their voices are heard as the organisation engages with key stakeholders to improve diagnosis, and care and treatment for those with the condition. One in 10 women, girls, and those assigned female at birth live with endometriosis—a condition that can cause pelvic pain, bowel issues, fatigue, and a range of other symptoms. Too frequently, endometriosis remains undiagnosed for years, Tanya says.

“You can help change that by taking part in a challenge of your choice during Endometriosis Awareness Month: maybe 120 minutes of running, 120 hours of learning, or another meaningful activity. Whatever you decide, you’ll be raising awareness, advocating for change, educating, and generating much-needed funds to support those affected by endometriosis,” she adds.

“This is your chance to do something active and impactful for a cause that matters. Every minute and every challenge helps raise awareness, provides vital resources, and brings us closer to a world where endometriosis is understood, supported, and treated with the care it deserves.”

Endometriosis New Zealand is actively campaigning to have a National Endometriosis Action Plan developed and implemented. “A plan would provide the necessary national framework to embrace new innovations in diagnosis and treatment. At the same time, it would also help to progress education and awareness for primary health practitioners, enhanced clinical management and care, and more investment in research,” says Tanya.

How to get involved
Sign up: Register for the 120 Challenge at the-120-challenge.raiselysite.com, and set a goal that works for you.
Choose your challenge: Whether you walk, run, read, or bake, the choice is yours. Your challenge may be baking 120 cookies to give away, or 120 random acts of kindness, for example.
Fundraise and share: Help raise vital funds by sharing your challenge with your network. Every contribution makes a difference.