How My Chronic Illness Led Me to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit & Beyond

Hey Friends,

I know. It has been a few weeks. And I fell off of the ~one newsletter a week~ streak, but I am back. And I will be pushing myself to make up the weeks I missed so stay tuned.

This week, I wanted to share some personal information with you all. Information that I know SO many people struggle with behind closed doors. Too many people live with health issues that are invisible or just not talked about. And while that is okay for some, it is not okay with me! I have been talking about my chronic illness on the internet for over 5 years. So it feels natural for me to write this newsletter in a very, personal and honest way.

I am not here to overshare, I do that enough on my social media pages. I am also not here to regurgitate information from the internet about what this chronic, inflammatory full body disease is and how it affects women. I am here to raise awareness for March is Endometriosis Awareness Month.

And this year, it feels more personal than ever. As someone who has been a patient for years, I know firsthand how isolating and frustrating the journey to a diagnosis can be. But this month, I want to share my story. Not just the struggles, but the power in advocating for yourself and using your voice to create change.

For years, I battled debilitating symptoms of chronic lower back and pelvic pain, bloating, stomach upset, migraines, and painful—very painful—periods that lasted three weeks out of the month. I knew something was wrong, but like so many others, I was not dismissed, but no one could figure out what the issue was. It wasn’t until 2022 that I finally decided to move forward with a diagnostic laparoscopy, as suggested by a doctor on my team. The surgery that changed my life and confirmed what I had started to suspect.

I had Endometriosis.

But here’s the thing. I didn’t just stop at my diagnosis. I used my voice, my story, and my platform to make a difference.

It all started with a LinkedIn post. I tagged MJ Day, the Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, in a post about my journey, never expecting what would come next. That moment led me to be featured as a patient advocate in the 2022 issue of SI Swimsuit, a surreal and powerful experience that amplified awareness for chronic illness awareness, in a way I never could have imagined.

From there, my advocacy only grew. Shortly after my diagnosis, I spoke on a panel at Yale, sharing my experience and shedding light on what it means to live with this condition.

And yesterday, I had the honor of delivering a keynote meditation at the Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Patient Day, coming full circle from patient to advocate.

This journey has shown me that while endometriosis is tough, we are tougher. Through advocacy, social media, and community, we can create awareness, push for better healthcare, and support each other in ways that truly matter.

So, during this Endometriosis Awareness Month, I encourage you to share your story, educate those around you, and advocate for yourself.

Because your voice is powerful, and your experience matters.

And if by the end of this article you still don’t know what endometriosis is, look it up, because 1 in 10 women battle this disease.

Sending love and strength to my fellow warriors, and everyone dealing with a chronic health issue.

Gigi