Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. Another thing to know about me is my family is everything to me. I come from a huge Italian family. Everyone is always in each others business! I would not trade it for anything! I would not be where I am today without the help of my parents and siblings. They have been there through every step of the way with me. They have been amazing examples of how to advocate for yourself and to be strong. I am also passionate about my golden retriever, Topanga. She has been another rock for me when I am in pain. She knows exactly when I just need a cuddle buddy! I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth MA to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I am passionate about helping bring out everyone's inner beauty and helping them feel their very best! I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, starting a career in Esthetics and living my best life. Thank you

Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. There are times where I am basically bedbound, and it feels like my whole life is on pause. On top of dealing with daily pain I have also struggled with my own mental health issues. I have been on a journey this year to try to get on the right combination of mental health medications along with finding the right therapist. Through all of this I have missed much of my senior year of high school. I have tried hard to stay connected with my school and my friends. Unfortunately, I have had to take a back seat to what I love most: Dancing. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, and living my best life. Thank you

Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. There are times where I am basically bedbound, and it feels like my whole life is on pause. On top of dealing with daily pain I have also struggled with my own mental health issues. I have been on a journey this year to try to get on the right combination of mental health medications along with finding the right therapist. Through all of this I have missed much of my senior year of high school. I have tried hard to stay connected with my school and my friends. I unfortunately have had to take a backseat to what I love most, Dancing. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, and living my best life. Thank you

Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. There are times where I am basically bedbound, and it feels like my whole life is on pause. On top of dealing with daily pain I have also struggled with my own mental health issues. I have been on a journey this year to try to get on the right combination of mental health medications along with finding the right therapist. Through all of this I have missed much of my senior year of high school. I have tried hard to stay connected with my school and my friends. I unfortunately have had to take a backseat to what I love most, Dancing. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, and living my best life. Thank you

Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. There are times where I am basically bedbound, and it feels like my whole life is on pause. On top of dealing with daily pain I have also struggled with my own mental health issues. I have been on a journey this year to try to get on the right combination of mental health medications along with finding the right therapist. Through all of this I have missed much of my senior year of high school. I have tried hard to stay connected with my school and my friends. I unfortunately have had to take a backseat to what I love most, Dancing. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, and living my best life. Thank you

Hello, My name is Leah. I’m 17 and it’s my senior year of high school. I go to Pioneer Valley Performing Arts where my arts concentration is Dance. I’ve been dealing with endometriosis for most of my life, even before I knew what it was. I got my first period when I was 11, and that’s when things started getting really bad. The pain wasn’t normal, but for a long time I didn’t have answers. I was first hospitalized for pain at 14 years old. By the time I was 16 I had my first surgery. I thought that would fix everything, but my pain didn’t go away. When I was 17, during my senior year, I moved with my mom to Boston MA and spent two months in the Boston Children’s pain management program, The PPRC. I learned many new skills for pain management and met so many amazing people with their own stories. However, I continued to struggle with physical and emotional pain. Eventually, I went to an endometriosis specialist at UConn and had a much bigger surgery. Even though the second surgery was extremely successful, I’m still living with endometriosis every day. There are times where I am basically bedbound, and it feels like my whole life is on pause. On top of dealing with daily pain I have also struggled with my own mental health issues. I have been on a journey this year to try to get on the right combination of mental health medications along with finding the right therapist. Through all of this I have missed much of my senior year of high school. I have tried hard to stay connected with my school and my friends. I unfortunately have had to take a backseat to what I love most, Dancing. While in the hospital and in the pain management program I started to make art work and bracelets to bring awareness to different Chronic Illness. What was started as something to do while I was stuck in bed, just to cope with the pain, has turned into something much bigger. I created “Beads for Endo.” I make bracelets, heating pads, headbands and artwork. This has helped me to spread awareness for chronic pain, especially endometriosis, because so many people go through this and feel unheard or alone. These bracelets and more represent real experiences, real pain, and real strength. I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people through this journey I have been on. I am looking forward to my future which involves going to The Spa institute in Plymouth to pursue another passion of mine, Esthetics. I can not wait to learn more regarding skin care and makeup. I look forward to continuing to my healing journey, bringing awareness to chronic illness, and living my best life. Thank you