The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™ 2023
Top Three Individual Fundraisers
Featured on this page are interviews with:
Alexis Nikolich, the Run Director for The Endo Network's Run To End Endo™, engaged in a conversation with the top three individual fundraisers of 2023. During the discussion, they delved into the motivations driving their significant involvement, the sources of inspiration for their fundraising efforts, and their optimistic aspirations for the advancement of endometriosis care in the coming years.
John Friedrichsen (he/him)
Photo credit: John Friedrichsen
Toronto, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $17,080.51
Alexis Nikolich (AN): What motivated you to fundraise for The Endometriosis Network Canada?
John Friedrichsen (JF): Seeing firsthand the effect of endometriosis on the physical and mental health of my daughter, and better understanding it’s effect on so many other people, combined with learning how underfunded care related to the treatment of endometriosis in Canada is, motivated me to raise funds for this important cause.
AN: Can you share with us the strategies and tactics you employed to raise such a substantial amount of funds for our cause?
JF: I’m fortunate to have developed a large network of friends and acquaintances over many years, many of whom I’ve supported in their own charitable fundraising efforts. I accessed this group and appealed to their sense of support with a brief message. I tried to further motivate their sense of charity by indicating that I would personally match their donation for any amount they committed to giving prior to the end of the day of the event.
AN: As someone supporting a loved one with endometriosis in Canada, what are your hopes for future awareness events like The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
JF: My hopes are that events such as this continue to grow in terms of awareness and even greater fundraising, and that consideration may be given to other types of fundraising events in the future.
John is grateful to live, work and gather on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Jocelyn Wessels (she/her)
Photo credit: Jocelyn Wessels
Ancaster, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $1,923.69
Alexis Nikolich (AN): What motivated you to fundraise for The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
Jocelyn Wessels (JW): I have participated in The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo for the past three years because I want to help raise awareness and funding to support education and advocacy activities for endometriosis in Canada. I work with an amazing team of researchers, clinicians, and individuals who are so passionate about pushing the bar forward for this condition, and several of us banded together as a Run To End Endo team as one way to show our support for people living with endometriosis. We are motivated by you!
AN: Can you share a bit about your personal connection to the cause?
JW: I am an endometriosis researcher who has been working on understanding this condition (in the lab and under the microscope!) for over 10 years. There is still so much work to do to increase awareness, and better understand the causes, and best management strategies for endometriosis. I have met so many wonderful people afflicted by endometriosis, and it is my hope to use my research skills and scientific curiosity to help where I can.
AN: As someone navigating endometriosis or supporting a loved one with endometriosis in Canada, what are your hopes for future awareness events like The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
JW: It is my hope that awareness of endometriosis continues to grow in Canada (and beyond). It is my hope that funding for research and advocacy increases. It is my hope that conditions improve for people living with endometriosis. Keep up the amazing work TENC!
Jocelyn is grateful to live, work, and gather on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral Peoples.
Anne-Marie Seessle (she/her)
Photo credit: Anne-Marie Seessle
Brampton, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $1,582.09
Alexis Nikolich (AN): What motivated you to fundraise for The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
Anne-Marie Seessle (AMS): My motivation to raise money stems from my own experience with Endometriosis. I’ve learned over the years through my support groups, advocating and raising awareness, that there are so many Endo warriors who are unable to work due to their illness, which in turn means no medical benefits and this leads to medical care being even more difficult to find or obtain.
AN: What did you learn about yourself and others through this fundraising experience?
AMS: Through this experience of raising money, I have learned that my determination, drive and compassion for others is much greater than I imagined. Living with an invisible disease and not having control over your own body puts a lot of limits on your successes. I truly believe that perseverance was a core factor in doing this, along with a very large group of supporters through my family, friends, my soccer club (Suedkurve Toronto, who generously donated their match winnings to this cause among many other donations).
AN: As someone navigating endometriosis or supporting a loved one with endometriosis in Canada, what are your hopes for future awareness events like The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
AMS: My hope for the future is that there is better care for young, impressionable girls and young women. Better plan of action for those who have the potential of having Endometriosis but have to wait until they’re of age to see an OB/GYN. I would also like to see those who are less fortunate, unable to pay for or unable to have medical benefits, still have the access to specialists, medication and any other form of support. I hope research allows us to find to way to have a better way of diagnosing, better education so Endo Warriors are believed, and that we are accepted by the government as a disability.
Anne-Marie is grateful to live, work, and gather on the territory of the Massachusett, Pawtucket, and their neighbors the Wampanoag, and Nipmuc Peoples.
Top Three Team Fundraisers
Alexis Nikolich, Run Director of The Endo Network's Run To End Endo™, engaged in a conversation with the top three fundraising team captains of 2023. During this exchange, they shared their insights regarding guidance for individuals aspiring to fundraise, reflections on the transformations they have observed throughout the years, and the driving forces motivating their active participation.
GoodbyeEndo
Photo credit: Dana Friedrichsen
Dana Friedrichsen (she/her), Team Captain
Toronto, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $23,324.75
Total funds raised: $31,545.84
Alexis Nikolich (AN): As someone who has been a top team fundraiser for The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™ three years in a row, what advice would you give to someone who wants to fundraise for a charity event?
Dana Friedrichsen (DF): Do not be afraid to ask people for donations. Put yourself out there and you may be surprised how many people are willing and wanting to be generous toward a cause that’s important to you, and so worth-while.
AN: Did you use social media to boost your fundraising efforts? If yes, what tips would you share with others that are interested in using social media to assist in their fundraising efforts?
DF: I did use social media and I recommend this to anyone fundraising. Don’t hesitate to post about the event consistently and ask multiple times for donations. Share links to the event and your page, as well as updates on how much you’ve raised before and after the event. People will appreciate knowing what they helped contribute to.
AN: Were there any particularly heartwarming or memorable interactions that you can share from the event?
DF: Seeing the run grow from a small event to something bigger has been the most heartwarming part of being involved. It’s amazing to see the number of participants go up and see the run being held now in multiple cities. We truly are making change!
Dana is grateful to live, work and gather on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
Endo Days with Jules
Photo credit: Julianna Ozorio
Julianna Ozorio (she/her), Team Captain
North York, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $4,610.36
Alexis Nikolich (AN): What changes and year-to-year growth have you observed while participating in this awareness event?
Julianna Ozorio (JO): I have definitely seen the growth of the event, both in the amount of participants as well as the online awareness, in the years since I began participating. I know that this is a direct result of the tireless advocacy from the online Endo community because we may be literally sick and tired, but when we mobilize we are a force. Because awareness of the disease itself is gaining traction, the general interest from the public to do something to help has increased and I saw that first hand within my own "village" and the overwhelming response I got in the form of donations and participation in the run itself. I've also seen more involvement from those in positions to help ranging from surgeons advocating for better systemic treatment of Endo, to elected officials dedicating time and effort to legislate better policies to help us. I have most definitely seen a gain in momentum and I feel like it's just getting started.
AN: What inspired you to fundraise for The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™?
JO: My personal experience with Endo has been such a battle that I have been fighting for the majority of my life. I had to fight for 15 years to get a diagnosis, I had to fight through three surgeries, I continuously have to fight the medical system to receive care as someone who is not having children because the vast majority of the time only women who are trying to conceive receive the care they need, and everyone else is not considered "worthy" of immediate treatment just so we can have quality of life. This has been my struggle and I am someone with a great deal of privilege as a white-passing, cis gendered woman. The battle for Black women, for trans and non-binary people and anyone else facing massive systemic oppression is exponentially harder and events like the Run to End Endo are so important because it's not only an opportunity to raise funds that are desperately needed, but it's an opportunity to harness the power of this community to fight for ALL who are suffering from this horrible disease. Also, and most simply, I know that in order for us to see the massive systemic changes we need in endometriosis care in Canada, we need to fund the cause. Research costs money, advocacy costs money, treatment and care in general costs money. I wanted to do everything I could to contribute because raising awareness is critically important, but it's only half of the battle. And the other half of the battle is expensive.
AN: Were there any unexpected moments or stories that stood out during the event?
JO: Truly and honestly the response from my friends, family and general community was unexpected. I had never raised more than a few hundred dollars in the past, and when I put a team together this year I wasn't expecting any different. I sent out the information and everyone I am lucky enough to have in my life took it and blew it up. I kept getting email updates with new donations and when I saw the total donations for my team rising continuously, I was overwhelmed and blown away. I (over)share my story through online advocacy to get the word out about endo and also to help others who may be struggling and in need of community. I never thought that the result would be so many people wanting to help and showing such generosity to do so. At the event itself, I was thrilled to see Marit Stiles there because she is such an incredible advocate for our community, but she is also the leader of the opposition for the province so her time is precious. I was amazed that she took the time to come out and speak and share her story and let us know that she will continue to fight for proper care in Ontario because she knows exactly what needs to be done. Seeing her gave me hope that we can win the battles we need to in order to finally have proper care in Ontario, and the rest of Canada.
Julianna is grateful to live, work, and gather on the land of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Anishinabewaki, Haudenosaunee, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, and Mississaugas.
Horrendo-metriosis
Photo credit: Erin Ball
Erin Ball (she/her), Team Captain
Waterloo, Ontario
Funds raised in 2023: $4,567.44
Total funds raised: $10,330.88
Alexis Nikolich (AN): As someone who has been a top team fundraiser for The Endo Network’s Run To End Endo™ three years in a row, what advice would you give to someone who wants to fundraise for a charity event?
Erin Ball (EB): My approach to fundraising is rooted in honesty, specifically through sharing my story and experiences with my extended network. This occasionally requires me to step out of my comfort zone, but I believe so deeply in this event and its impact that it acts as my underlying motivation through fundraising. I am incredibly fortunate to have a supportive team and community of people who believe in this mission as strongly as I do. I would not be able to do it without any of them. If you’re looking to fundraise, my biggest recommendation is openness and communicating why the fundraiser is important to you.
AN: What do you wish everyone knew about this event and the organization behind it?
EB: What I want everyone to understand about this event and TENC is the “why” behind it all. Because if you look beyond the event, the organization, and the incredible volunteers, you will find approximately one million Canadians who live with endometriosis. That is one million people who have had to navigate the healthcare system with varying degrees of frustration and success, one million people who may have waited years – or decades – for an answer, one million people who may not have access to effective and affordable treatment options. The “why” is what makes this event and organization so crucial, because despite each experience being so individualized, an indescribable amount of us face hurdles and setbacks caused by lack of awareness, education, and research.
AN: Do you have a memorable moment or impactful encounter that reaffirmed your commitment to the cause?
EB: I am lucky to have recently become a patient of an endometriosis specialist. While I am still on a long waitlist for excision surgery, I have received a high quality of care and specialized knowledge that I have never experienced elsewhere in the healthcare industry. I think it is a sad reality that receiving compassionate, knowledgeable, judgement-free, and validating care is such an unusual experience in my journey with endometriosis. It reaffirmed that this is one of the many reasons that I advocate for endometriosis awareness, funding, and increased access to a variety of treatment options.
Erin is grateful to live, work, and gather on the land traditionally cared for by the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Neutral Peoples.
