A REAL CONNECTION

A REAL CONNECTION offered Endometriosis New Zealand (ENZ) the opportunity to have a real celebration.  The purpose of the event was to reconnect with its community following the devastation caused by the Canterbury earthquakes. It was a tough time for the organization who did everything possible to continue at the very least, to maintain core services, during this time. The Rata Foundation established a philanthropic fund to give a leg up to those who were eligible to apply, for hardship caused by the earthquakes.

This allowed ENZ the chance to reconnect with their community.

What a fabulous event it was, superbly themed and planned by Glenda Harding and her team from Harding Consultants. The fabulous group of speakers spoke to the key messages in ways that were heart-felt, thought provoking and real.

Endometriosis effects approximately 1 in 10 girls and women

• The delay to diagnosis is 8+ years
• Symptoms can start as early as a girl’s first menstrual period
• Early recognition and timely intervention is vital
• Symptoms can significantly disrupt schooling, relationships, career and life
• Endometriosis is responsible for 1/3 of women experiencing fertility problems
• It costs NZ bucket-loads (NZ$1.2B per year) in surgical and medical interventions and in lost productivity and absenteeism.

The speakers spoke for 2 minutes with short, sharp, meaningful and poignant addresses.