Virginia native Lindsey Peters began her battle with endometriosis a decade and a half ago. Because it’s a disease that is not well-researched or understood, it took years for Lindsey to find a doctor who would take her pain seriously, let alone diagnose and help her.

According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis affects 190 million women worldwide. This journey of pain, isolation and discouragement eventually brought Lindsey into a community she never knew existed; one that was crucial for her to continue her fight. She became connected to a network of supporters through online groups and organizations like the Endometriosis Foundation.

Although there is currently no known cure for endometriosis, Lindsey was finally able to receive a surgery that greatly helped her manage symptoms. However, that meant giving up her ability to have children. Then another devastating blow came in 2021 when she suffered the loss of her mom and dad, just three months apart from each other.

The comradery she found in the endometriosis community, as well as her parents’ legacy of kindness and resilience, inspired Lindsey to forever use her voice to advocate for a cure.