Tine is the co-captain of Team Zimbabwe’s 2016 EndoMarch.  She and Nadia are seeking to raise awareness regarding Endometriosis, menstrual health, education the medical community, and letting women in their country know that they are not alone…and this pain is not normal.  Tine is also heavily involved in the NGO As I Am Foundation, a foundation that creates projects that are sustainable for the disadvantaged.  Nadia and Tine have shared their stories in the hope that it will encourage other African girls to be aware and not ashamed.  Tine’s story follows:

Seven years ago my life changed somewhat. At the age of 16 a girl should be worried about boys and having fun, but I found myself sick most of the month and having a right side pain that just didn’t go away. Moreover, I bled profusely during my period often finishing a pack of pads in one day or less. My friends and family initially perceived me as a hypochondriac because when I went do the doctor everything would come back clear. Now, years later, I was diagnosed with Endometriosis. Most days I find myself having to explain to friends or family why I can’t make things because I’m in pain. Moreover my self-esteem can be very low because I’m a 24 year old who isn’t working or hasn’t graduated yet…

Living with pain every day is nothing I ever wish on anyone but what I do want to say to any other women in my position is that life does not end there. A sickness or ailment does not define you. We all have an inner strength that is beyond what we can imagine but we have to pluck it out. Two surgeries later I am still having to face symptoms but I have run an NGO despite the pain. Fight with those doctors ’til you know exactly what is wrong with you but the most important fight is that in the mind…Endometriosis. We have won the fight already.

If you would like to follow Nadia and Tine’s Team Zimbabwe EndoMarch progress, please reach out to their Facebook group here

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I want to send a special Thank You out to Tine for being courageous enough to share her personal story with us today.  Her story is unfortunately one shared by so many.  Without brave women like you coming forward, many young girls and women would continue to think they are alone in their struggles.  Remember, you are a beautiful, brave, and strong woman.  And we want to wish you all the luck and success for your upcoming 2016 events.  Thank you, and your entire team, for coordinating those and helping raise awareness in your community!  We look forward to hearing all about it!

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And if YOU would like to share your story, please let us know.  The best part about this disease is the strong network of love and support from our fellow EndoWarriors, and our friends and family, too.

Yours, Lisa.