Why My Not-For-Profit is So Important to Me: My Journey Through My Reproductive Health Crisis to the Evolution of House of Ladybug

It’s often said that personal experiences shape our passions and commitments – and for me, this couldn’t be truer. The decision to start my not-for-profit was not just a career choice, but a deeply personal mission. It stems from a health journey that began with what seemed like a common issue – birth control and its unintended consequences – that quickly spiralled into a life threatening ordeal.

A Health Crisis That Changed Everything – Years ago, I started using birth control like many others do, not knowing that it would drastically change the course of my life. I turned out to be that 1% they warn you about in TV commercials. It led to menorrhagia, a condition characterised by heavy menstrual bleeding. While this was overwhelming in itself, it was only the beginning. One morning, I woke up to find that my leg had swollen to the size of an elephant’s. Leading up to that, I had been feeling uncomfortable body heat, itchiness and tinnitus. My instincts screamed that something was terribly wrong. The thing is… I’m a professional in healthcare and wellbeing. But when it comes to your own health, it’s different – you can’t truly diagnose yourself. Even when you know what the issue is, you naturally shift into the role of a patient! I had developed a massive deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a life threatening condition caused by a blood clot forming due to disrupted blood flow. This was followed by pulmonary embolisms (PE), where parts of the clot broke off and traveled to my lungs, creating a serious medical emergency. At the same time, my body had lost so much blood from menorrhagia that my skin was visibly turning pale and grey. I needed emergency care immediately. I was rushed to the hospital – scared, weak and fighting for my life. I will forever be grateful to my dear friend who rushed me there.

Facing DVT and the Emotional Toll – DVT isn’t just a physical burden; it’s emotionally draining as well. The swelling, the fear of severe complications like a pulmonary embolism (which I experienced), and the constant anxiety about how your body might react can be paralysing. Coupled with menorrhagia, my body was pushed to its limits. It made me realise just how fragile health can be and how untreated conditions can escalate into something catastrophic. During my hospitalisation, I received blood transfusions due to the critical situation, which resulted in a fever and convulsions. Once stabilised, managing the treatment became complex; balancing the need to break down blood clots while dealing with active bleeding, and stopping the bleeding while I had clots. The medical teams were remarkable in navigating these challenges. 

Additionally, I was later diagnosed with adenomyosis and endometriosis, which were causing the bleeding. I thought to myself, wait, what? There’s more? What did this even mean? Adenomyosis and endometriosis can both impact fertility, but the effects vary. Adenomyosis involves the uterine lining growing into the muscular wall of the uterus, while endometriosis involves similar tissue growing outside the uterus. Both conditions can cause pain and might affect your reproductive organs’ function. 

To make a LONG story short, after that, things were managed for a few years. Unfortunately, in 2020, I faced a major setback when I had to undergo an emergency subtotal hysterectomy. This changed my life forever! But through the darkest days of pain, fear, healing and uncertainty, something transformative happened – a sense of purpose was born.

The Birth of My Not-For-Profit – Recovering from this traumatic experience led me to a deeper understanding of how underserved and misunderstood these health issues are. I began to see the gaps in the healthcare system, especially around conditions that disproportionately affect women. Many suffer in silence, unsure of their symptoms mean or how to navigate the medical maze to get the help they need. Too often, they are dismissed or misdiagnosed, their pain minimised. I knew I had to take action, not just for myself, but for the countless others who endure similar struggles without the support or resources they need.

This is why my not-for-profit organisation is so important to me. It’s dedicated to raising      awareness about conditions like DVT, menorrhagia, adenomyoma, endometriosis and other related reproductive health issues. We focus on advocacy, education, and providing resources to help people understand their conditions and access the right treatments. More than that, we offer emotional support, because I know firsthand how isolating and terrifying it can be to feel like your body is failing you. And when there aren’t many people who understand what you’re going through or feeling, or you’re faced with life changing and altering options. IT CAN BE LONELY!

Turning Pain Into Purpose – Starting a not-for-profit wasn’t easy. It required reliving some of the hardest moments of my life. But that pain has given me a purpose that fuels my every move. This organisation isn’t just about addressing a health crisis – it’s about empowering people to take control of their health, ensuring they are heard and creating a community where no one has to feel alone in their struggles. It’s about uplifting, nourishing, inspiring.

For me, this isn’t just work; it’s a personal mission. Every time I connect with someone who is struggling with DVT, menorrhagia, endo, or any similar condition, I am reminded why this not-for-profit exists. I know what it feels like to be scared, in pain, unsure of what the future holds. And I also know that with the right support and resources, life can change for the better.

Moving Forward – My journey through these health challenges may have started with a frightening experience, but it’s taken me to a place of advocacy and healing. My goal is to ensure that others don’t have to navigate these challenges alone or without the knowledge they need to get the help they deserve. House of Ladybug is my way of turning a personal health crisis into a platform for change – and that’s why it’s so important to me.