Inspiring Hope: Team EndoStrong Overcomes Challenges at the New York Marathon

Team EndoStrong Running to Raise Awareness and Empower Others!

Living with endometriosis demands resilience, strength, and hope. For millions of women worldwide, this chronic condition means daily battles with pain and the emotional burden of a misunderstood and often invisible illness. Despite these challenges, many persevere, pursue their passions, and advocate for themselves and others.

Stories of personal triumphs—whether advancing careers, finding creative outlets, or engaging in community support—remind us that while endometriosis affects life, it does not have to define it. These stories highlight the importance of awareness, empathy, and the strength within a supportive network.

This perseverance sparkled at this year’s TCS New York City Marathon. EndoFound’s “Team EndoStrong” brought together 50 participants, some of whom battled endometriosis themselves, while others ran to honor loved ones affected by the condition. They aimed to raise at least $5,000 each to support EndoFound’s programs, including the youth-focused ENPOWR initiative and research grants. In the end, Team EndoStrong raised an impressive $171,000 for youth-focused ENPOWR program and grants for endometriosis research.

One of the Inspiring Stories:

Emily Glaeser’s story stood out among the Team EndoStrong participants. She had endured multiple surgeries and a relentless cycle of symptoms. In California, her surgeries often focused on her ovaries. “Dr. Seckin found it on my appendix, my bowels, my bladder. It was on all these other places nobody had ever looked at,” she said. This thorough approach changed her treatment path.

After her surgery in 2021, she felt relief for the first time in years. She needed another surgery in April 2024 when some symptoms returned. The disease had regrown in a few areas and the doctors removed it. For the first time since high school, Glaeser said, “I’m feeling better than ever. It’s like night and day. I said to myself after the surgery, ‘Huh, so this is how people live.’”

Altogether, etermination and building community make it possible to face endometriosis with hope and strength. These stories prove that transforming personal pain into collective action can create a future where endometriosis is met with understanding, support, and progress.

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey