Instagram story viewer> @ltothefitz> Posts

Larissa✨

@ltothefitz

1.4K

followers

3357

following

🎗️Pain -> passion @americanendofendoproject
🐾 I bring dogs to weddings @plusonepups
🥖 I bake sourdough things @bluejaybreads

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Endometriosis. 3 lesions. 1 excised, 2 cauterized.

After receiving the call from my doctor with confirmation, I cried so hard from the depths within me. The first words I could utter were “I’m not crazy.”

An answer I’ve been fighting for since I was a teenager. The night before high school graduation I was admitted to the hospital for an ovarian cyst that had burst - this was the beginning of the misdiagnosis of PCOS due to my testosterone levels being higher than a male during puberty.

Years of different birth controls, an endocrinologist, wrong meds and so on, I decided to end all meds and let my body do what it needed to naturally do. After getting pregnant and suffering a miscarriage my body was never the same. I was labeled a “skinny PCOS” by the doctor that performed my D&C after miscarrying, when he told me “we call you a skinny PCOS because you have it but don’t show any symptoms.”

Every cycle I went through, every year that passed by, my suffering only became worse. I was then diagnosed with Adenomyosis via TV ultrasound - a condition in which endometrial tissue exists within and grows into the uterine wall - a violently painful condition.

I reached the point of debilitation on a monthly basis. Cyclical vomiting, night sweats, extreme exhaustion, migraines, deep joint pain, blood in my stool, severe bloating, loss of appetite, inflamed colon, severe GI issues, heavy bleeding, passing large clots - which led to the next diagnosis of PMDD, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, in which the body has an abnormal reaction to the normal hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

As the symptoms continued to worsen I KNEW in my body and soul that there was more. I have finally been validated with the help of an incredible OBGYN + team who heard me, listened and provided the proper steps to finally reach a definitive diagnosis but most importantly, a treatment plan.

I don’t know what’s in store for my future but what I do know is that we removed a disease that’s been causing havoc on my body and I can now look forward to better days

To all the women suffering in silence, you are not alone. Your pain is real. You know your body. Keep fighting 💪💖 taken in Good Samaritan Hospital Suffern, NY by @ltothefitz

143

16

a year ago

5 weeks post op.. the kids are alright 😏 taken in Sardegna, Italia by @ltothefitz

140

21

a year ago

💖THIS SUNDAY MAY 3 @ 3pm EST - join us online and see what it means to volunteer with AEEP💖

Are you struggling with Endometriosis + want to be part of something bigger? Turn your pain into passion by volunteering with our organization! Volunteers are the backbone of the hard work that’s done to continue to advocate, educate and strengthen our community 💛

We are looking for individuals interested in seeking sponsorships + building partnerships. Are you passionate about change and want to help us grow in numbers? Then this team is for YOU! Our momentum is hot and we need to keep the flame burning bright! Who’s ready to hit the ground running?! (Or walking, because let’s be honest. Having endo is hard😩)

💛SIGN UP AT THE LINK IN BIO💛

#volunteerwork #endometriosissupport #womenshealthmatters #womentogether #endowarriors by @ltothefitz

63

8

6 months ago

Today I had the pleasure of tabling at the @suny_orange health fair, my local SUNY college in New York, on behalf of @americanendofendoproject 💖 I was surrounded by incredible organizations who do such valuable work in the community and I left feeling inspired, determined and confident in my mission of advocacy 💪🏼

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more, ask questions and share your stories. It meant the world to me to be able to support you because I know how lonely the journey of Endometriosis can be.

BONUS ✨: My therapy dog, Desert, came along for support too 🤭

I look forward to attending more events, educating more people and affecting REAL change in the community. THIS is my why 🎗️💛

#advocacymatters #endometriosisawareness #collegecampus #adenomyosisawareness #healthfair taken in Suny Orange Campus Middletown Ny by @ltothefitz

128

31

11 days ago

🍂✨ October is full of advocacy, education, and community at American End of Endo Project!

This month, our advocates are showing up across the country to raise awareness, share knowledge, and amplify the voices of those affected by endometriosis and adenomyosis! 💗

📍 October 7 | SUNY Orange Health Fair
Larissa Fitzpatrick represented AEEP, educating students about endometriosis and adenomyosis.

📍 October 12–13 | Colorado Rare Disease Research Day & Fair
Chelsea Hardesty will join discussions on federal policy, rare disease advocacy, and her B.R.I.D.G.E. framework.

📍 October 17 | Rare New England Conference
Pamela Bove will present on uncommon endometriosis presentations, diagnostic challenges, and the importance of education.

💛 Every conversation, connection, and opportunity to educate brings us closer to a future where endometriosis is better understood and recognized.

📣 Hosting an endometriosis event this October or November? Let us know so we can help amplify it!

🔗 Interested in volunteering? Check out link in our bio!

#EndometriosisAwareness #EndometriosisAdvocacy #PatientAdvocacy #RareDiseaseAwareness #EndoEducation by @ltothefitz

28

0

9 days ago

A jam-packed four days of endometriosis advocacy 💛

I spent the weekend in NYC volunteering at the inaugural @flare.endo art exhibition! As an engineer, I never truly understood art as advocacy until this weekend. I’m so honored by the many patients who were willing to share their stories and to have helped facilitate an opportunity for women with endo (some for the very first time) to have a place where they could feel seen. AND I finally got to meet so many friends I’ve been working with for months over Zoom calls!

I got to make a pit stop in the Hudson Valley to see @ltothefitz Saturday night, and I had a sleepover with my AEEP girls before our advocacy day!

On Monday, I was on Capitol Hill with 8 other patient advocates from @americanendofendoproject! We spent the day meeting with the staffs of multiple senators and representatives about the language surrounding endometriosis in the House’s proposed FY27 NIH Appropriations Bill and were met with overwhelming bipartisan support! I cannot over emphasize the importance of recognizing endometriosis as a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease. AEEP was instrumental in getting the correct definition of endometriosis included in the FY26 appropriations bills. We must properly characterize endometriosis at the highest levels of government to promote further research and proper treatment reimbursement.

And to cap it off, I’ve been working with a group of brilliant women, and we submitted an abstract to a medical conference!! What is this life???

This is not what I ever imagined for this year, but God’s plan is always bigger and better than my own. My body is tired, but my heart is overflowing. by @ltothefitz

65

13

a month ago

From research to advocacy. From patient voices to policy. 💛

This Monday, September 21, members of our team are headed to Washington, D.C., where we’ll meet with members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to advocate for the YOU.

We’re bringing the voices of patients, advocates, researchers, and clinicians with us, because advancing endometriosis research, improving care, and creating meaningful change requires all of us working together.

The conversations happening within our community matter. And now, we’re taking those conversations directly to Capitol Hill. 🇺🇸

But we need your help NOW. 💛

We need to print additional educational and advocacy materials to distribute during all of our meetings on Capitol Hill this Monday. Your support can help us make sure every office we meet with leaves with the information they need to better understand endometriosis and why action matters.

Help us bring endometriosis education to Washington.

💳VENMO: @ endoproject
📲 Text TEACHENDO to 53-555
🔗 Or donate using the DONATE link in our Linktree 💖

Every contribution helps us put vital information directly into the hands of policymakers.

Washington, D.C. we’re on our way. Let’s make sure they hear us. 💛

#endometriosisawareness #advocacymatters #capitolhilldc by @ltothefitz

101

11

a month ago

Meet the people behind the movement. 💛

Rep. Nikema Williams and her colleagues have sent a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asking HHS for answers about endometriosis diagnosis, coverage, coding, reimbursement and plans to improve access to care.

AEEP and Endo Excision for All, alongside WHA and other partners, helped shape this work with patient experiences and community knowledge.

For AEEP, that means education for everyone, patient support and helping people navigate care. For Endo Excision for All, it includes helping patients overcome financial barriers to surgical care while working toward more equitable access.

At FLARE, you’ll meet the human reasons this work matters.

Explore four thematic zones featuring work from over 30 artists who are patients themselves. Experience performances by people living with the realities they express. Meet the patients who have built this event, bringing their creativity, knowledge and lived experience into every part of it.

Take your time with the artwork. Read the stories. Start a conversation. Bring someone who wants to understand.

These are people who know what it means to wait for answers, struggle to access care and build a life around uncertainty. They are also artists, performers, educators and community builders with so much to share.

Their experiences are why this letter is needed. FLARE gives those experiences space to be seen, heard and understood.

FLARE has also received recognition from Senator Chuck Schumer for its work connecting art, lived experience and awareness.

Help us carry this forward: read and share @repnikema’s announcement, share this carousel, and join us at FLARE.

🎟️ Use code AEEP10 for 10% off. Tickets through the link in bio.

Come for the art. Meet the people. Leave with a deeper understanding of why better care cannot wait.

The letter asks for answers.
The community shows why they matter.
.
.
#Endometriosis #FLARE #PatientVoices #AccessToCare #ArtAndAdvocacy taken in New York City by @ltothefitz

165

11

2 months ago

Basically the only advice I got from my OBGYN for my first diagnostic laparoscopy.. until I found @americanendofendoproject 💖 now that I’ve discovered AEEP, I can now properly prepare for my next (and very much needed) surgery, confidently.

AEEP is co-hosting a free 1 hour online workshop led by @occupelvichealth to address weeks 0-3 post op. People like Kayla are who patients like myself must rely on for proper information, care and SO much more. If you or someone you love has Endometriosis, I welcome you to join us! The link to register is in my bio! If you have any questions, my DMs are always open 🫶🏼🎗️

Xo, Larissa by @ltothefitz

80

20

3 months ago

Advocacy is a team sport. We are playing our own team game here with @americanendofendoproject ⛳🏈🏀⚾⚽️✨️

This year, patients helped secure federal language recognizing endometriosis as a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease. The FIRST time in U.S. history. Not lobbyists. Not celebrities. Patients.

That's the kind of perseverance that drives AEEP. A patient-led, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) that's been showing up for 9 years.

Now we need YOU in the game.

Our EndometriosisXSports Online Auction is LIVE through May 25 with over 25 items!

🏆 Signed NFL, NHL, NBA memorabilia
⛷️ Ski resort getaways
⛳ Golf packages
🏎️ A NASCAR driving experience
🎟️ The Ultimate Sports Fan Package where YOU litteraly pick the game

Help us keep playing. Help us keep scoring historic points for the generations to come.

🔗 Link in video, in bios and below to bid.

⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://givebutter.com/c/fHzrnA/auction
⬆️⬆️⬆️

We're all on the same team. 💛🎗

Shout out to our special cast 🗣
@thefranchise30 - Marc (CA)
@snyde22 -Tom (CA)
@ltothefitz - Larissa (NY)
@laur.bent - Laurel (NJ)
@lyra_life - Amanda (NY)
@your_cycle_sister - Aarushi (VA)
@tea.mceachern Tèa with @junior.eice (MN)
@endowithpam - Pam (MA)
@holly_sanneman - Holly (CA)
@gettingthebetterofendo - Chelsea (CO)
.
.
#EndometriosisAwareness #Sports #OnlineAuction #History #Advocacy by @ltothefitz

86

19

5 months ago

🚨 IT’S OFFICIALLY LIVE 🚨

The @americanendofendoproject Endometriosis x Sports Online Auction is NOW OPEN 🏁💛

This is your chance to score incredible sports experiences while supporting endometriosis advocacy, education, and free patient resources.

🏎️ NASCAR driving experience
⛳ Golf getaways
🎿 Ski resort stays
🏈 Signed sports memorabilia
🏟️ Ultimate fan experiences
…and more.

Why sports? Because sports capture attention — and endometriosis deserves attention too. Millions continue to face delays in diagnosis, lack of awareness, and barriers to care. Together, we can help change that.

Every bid supports our patient-led, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit and helps us continue advocating for women and girls living with endometriosis. 💛

🎯 Ready to join the team?
✔️ Browse the auction
✔️ Bid on your favorite experiences
✔️ Share with friends, family, and sports fans

📅 Auction runs May 15–25
🔗 Bid now: https://givebutter.com/c/fHzrnA/auction

LINK IN BIO 💛

We’re all on the same team when it comes to ending the silence around endometriosis. 🏁💛

#SportsAuction #Endometriosis #Advocacy #ChronicIllness #SportsFans by @ltothefitz

39

2

5 months ago

9 years of advocacy turned into something you can wear.

This May @americanendofendoproject turns 9 years old! @gettingthebetterofendo has launched a birthday fundraiser making handmade bracelets supporting endometriosis advocacy through AEEP.

"REDEFINE ENDO”
“WORDS MATTER”
“END OF ENDO ERA”

Each one is a conversation starter.
Each one supports advocacy through the American End of Endo Project.

Wear one. Gift one. Donate one.

First 6 *out the door* are only $6!
After that they start at $14 each.

This is more than a bracelet.
It’s part of changing the narrative.
Read more here ⬇️⬇️

🔗 https://givebutter.com/birthday-bracelets
.
.
#endometriosis #birthday #chronicillness #fundraiser #beadedbracelets by @ltothefitz

34

2

6 months ago