My name is Naiema, but I prefer April Margo Potter. I am 27, from Mangalore, and currently work with children in Hyderabad to build leadership and passion to solve problems around them.

As far as I can trace back, my life was filled with doctor consultations, medication for prolonged periods, and just making ends meet. At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse; a diagnosis that ignored a range of unrelated symptoms, symptoms that would themselves cost much more than I can afford. A year ago, pain in my right abdomen spiked, and an ultrasound revealed an ovarian cyst. It was during the laparoscopy to remove the cyst that the doctors discovered my endometriosis, and polycystic ovary. Endometriosis, characterized by endometrial-like tissue growing outside the uterus, causes various, often systemic symptoms. Over 200 million women suffer from this condition.

The tissue has now spread to my abdominal cavity and colon. Another cyst has grown post surgery, and is now 5.6 cm in size.

Simultaneously, my sciatic nerve has started to flare up, restricting mobility.

Rpeated surgeries have placed enormous strain on me, physically, mentally, and financially.

I hope you can help in any little way possible. Thank you and stay blessed.