Every step, every donation, and every conversation sparked through this year’s Run to End Endo® makes a difference. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding fundraisers who went above and beyond, raising critical awareness and funds to support The Endometriosis Network Canada’s programming and resources. Their inspiring dedication reminds us that this is a movement powered by people from coast to coast who show up for themselves, their loved ones, and the 1 in 10 living with endometriosis.
Meet our top Fundraisers! Each of these individuals shared what motivates and inspires them to participate in this campaign, what endometriosis awareness means to them personally, and their heartfelt message for others living with endometriosis and their supporters.
Dana Friedrichsen
My motivation stems from the desire to fight for future generations of Endo Warriors. Each year this event is put on, I am reminded of the power of coming together as a group, as a team, as a community to create much needed awareness for Endometriosis while fundraising vital funds for the Endometriosis Network Canada.
For me, supporting endometriosis education and awareness means working towards a future where no one needs to spend years fighting for a diagnosis and expert excision surgery.
Dana’s message for people living with endometriosis and their loved ones:
You are not alone in your fight against this disease. There are people working hard in the background to bring awareness, research, and funding to this area of medicine. When it seems like no one is listening, please know that there is a community of Endo warriors with lived experience ready to support you.
Jocelyn Wessels
I have participated in the Run to End Endo five times in the past, and my motivation continues to be to help raise awareness of endometriosis. As an endometriosis ally and researcher, I feel it is important to give back to a community of people who have helped me with my work along the way, and to help bring as much attention as I can to a condition that can have significant negative impacts on the lives of those who live with it. We can do better!
Endometriosis education and awareness is very important to me because it is through these types of avenues that people who have not yet been diagnosed will learn about this condition and connect with care. The more awareness, the more likely it is for someone to receive a more timely diagnosis.
Jocelyn’s message for people living with endometriosis and their loved ones:
Share your story and your path wherever and whenever you are able. People need to know about Endo. There is power in numbers; let us work together to push for change!
Tracy Cooper
The Run to End Endo is my opportunity to raise awareness and come together with others who have been affected by this disease. I have participated in every Run to End Endo since 2018 when I attended our first event at the North York Civic Centre with my Endo warrior. I am continually impressed with our Endo community — warriors, loved ones, friends and medical professionals — all united to increase funding, research, support and awareness.
Tracy’s message for people living with endometriosis and their loved ones:
We have grown over the years, weathering virtual walks during COVID and continuing to expand across our country. We may be small but we are mighty! Through our continued efforts we will ensure this disease finally gets the attention and resources needed to find easier diagnostic methods, find a cure and ease the suffering. We will get there!
A heartfelt thank-you to all of our incredible fundraisers, participants, volunteers, and supporters who made this year’s Run to End Endo® possible. Every step you took and every dollar you raised helps move us closer to a future where no one with endometriosis feels alone, dismissed, or without options. Together, we are making change happen!