A brief synopsis

	Everyone appreciated listening to the beautiful Mandy Pickering sing on arrival.
	Gary McCormick, MC opened the event in style. He introduced Roger Bridge, Chair of the Rata Foundation.  Roger couldn’t be present but, in a recorded message, he outlined how proud the Rata Foundation are of the work of Endometriosis NZ and particularly the ‘me’ programme in schools which they have funded for 18 years in Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough.
Hana O’Regan gave a passionate and enthusiastic mihi which respectfully set the scene for the evening. Click here to read what Margaret McKenzie, co-founder of ENZ wrote to be read on the night.
Miriama Kamo – a loved NZ TV personality who has a history of endometriosis, told of the revelation she experienced when she heard the ‘me’ programme one day at RangRuru Girls School.  She was there as a journalist, but the dreadful menstrual symptoms she had experienced through her life became a reality hearing the ‘me’ programme.  Miriama told of the roller coaster that so many women with endometriosis can relate to and the delight she now has being the mother of the most gorgeous wee girl.
Magdalena Varley, Miss World 2009, relayed her story of being with other girls at the International Pageant. She talked about the numbers of other girls suffering similarly and the strain of always being on show despite the pain.  She said sporting a ‘brave face’ whilst struggling in pain or hiding the horrible bloated tummy wearing a bikini was normal!  Magdalena loves her work in the fitness industry and as a personal trainer wants to encourage other women challenged by endometriosis to get involved in exercise.
Marina Arps, co-owner of Harpers Homestead and mother to Ashlee gave her portrayal of life when Ashlee was young and debilitated with symptoms for years which was eventually diagnosed as endometriosis. Her presentation tugged everyone’s heart strings.  Marina recalled the chance meeting with Deborah Bush, the book ‘Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain’, the diagnosis and surgery to excise endometriosis with Michael East.  Then, the beautiful photos of Ashlee’s pregnancy and her dear wee granddaughter was shown on screen.
Chris Boon, Director of Adelphi Insurance gave an insightful overview of why private medical insurance is a must and some key facts to support the claim.  He told how Adelphi support those with endometriosis and ENZ.
Yulia, the Russian born New Zealand singer who is reconnecting with Christchurch after a time away from the region.  Yulia performed three beautiful songs with passion and conviction and treated guests to a song from her newest, yet to be released, album.  The words we overheard describing the performance were magical, inspirational, world-class and indescribingly amazing.
The following speakers addressed their experiences of the ‘me’ programme Ola Ratka, 17 from Burnside High School courageously told the audience what it was like to live with such pain and how the programme helped her seek help and a diagnosis.
Sue Hume, Principal of Avonside High School relayed why the programme has become an intrinsic part of their school curriculum and what the staff and girls love about it.
Emily Brick, ENZ National Educator and Research Coordinator, shared some of the facts and figures captured from the ‘me’ programme and the difference it is making to young women throughout the region.  One example which caused a gasp from the audience, is that NZ has 27% of school aged girls taking time off every month or most months because of distressing period symptoms.  This is reflected in other international studies.  Emily acknowledged the research funders WHITEHOT JEWELLERY and THE MICHAEL GREEN MEMORIAL TRUST and read Gillian Green’s summary of why she wanted to support research undertaken by ENZ.
That was followed by Wendy Almond, Area 3 Director Zonta International who presented Deborah Bush with the 2016 WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT Award. Wendy explained that Deborah was also Zonta Woman of the Biennium 2011-2013 in recognition of her pioneering work and outstanding achievements in the field.
Lone Hummelshoj, Secretary General of the World Endometriosis Society (WES); publisher / editor of Endometriosis.org a global forum for news and information on endometriosis, Chief Executive of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) and author of many publications was next to take the stage via a recording. Lone presented an eloquent and erudite speech congratulating ENZ, its staff and Board on outstanding achievements in innovation and excellence in the field and explained the vital work being done by WES and WERF.
Michael East, Christchurch and Auckland gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon gave a dynamic presentation which left no doubt as to the importance of early diagnosis and removal of the disease. Michael is the current Chair of the Endometriosis NZ Trust Board but will sadly soon retire from that position. ENZ is delighted he will remain on as medical advisor.  Michael is clearly respected and highly regarded as was evident in the standing ovation he received.
Dr Don Mackie, Ministry of Health, spoke to the new association ENZ initiated with government establishing a TASK FORCE to improve the quality of diagnosis and management of endometriosis and the management of pelvic pain.
Robert Jones CEO of Fulton Hogan made the announcement of the night, revealing another reason the evening was called A REAL CONNECTION.   Robert announced that Fulton Hogan was looking forward to partnering with Endometriosis NZ to support the rollout of the ‘me’ programme in Auckland and Wellington and a collaborative research project with ENZ and Universities in Australia.  He said it may appear an unlikely partnership but when the mission, vision, ethos and values were considered, it was a match which would deliver wonderful outcomes for the community.
Deborah Bush summed up the evening entertaining guests with a quirky poem she had written titled ‘Who will help me with my endo’.  She thanked all those who had supported the evening and concluded “when we consider what needs to be achieved in this minefield that is endometriosis, we can’t do it alone and tonight we have shown a great model with government, Fulton Hogan, funders, supporters, community and ENZ working together.  Through collaboration we can improve the health and welfare of our girls and women to realise a life deserved."