Why I Started The Shebie Foundation
Founder’s Story
The Shebie Foundation was born from lived experience.
Like many women, my journey with Endometriosis was long, confusing and often dismissed. For years I experienced debilitating symptoms, chronic pain and the emotional toll that comes with trying to be heard in a healthcare system that doesn’t always recognise the severity of this disease.
In 2019 I was finally diagnosed with Stage IV Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
While receiving a diagnosis can bring clarity, it also introduces a new reality — navigating treatment options, specialist care, and the financial pressures that often come with accessing the right medical support.
In January 2023, after years of living with significant pain, I underwent a full hysterectomy including removal of both ovaries with a surgeon who truly listened and understood the complexity of the disease. For the first time in many years, I woke up from surgery and realised something profound:
The Endometriosis pain was gone.
That moment changed everything for me.
But it also raised an important question that I could not ignore.
If this treatment had the potential to transform my quality of life so dramatically, how many other women were unable to access similar care simply because of the cost?
Across Australia, many women with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis face significant out-of-pocket expenses for specialist consultations, surgery and ongoing treatment. For some, these costs mean delaying treatment for years — or going without it entirely.
The Shebie Foundation was created to help change that.
Our goal is to remove financial barriers so women can access the treatment they need when they need it most.
This foundation exists for every woman who has felt dismissed, unheard, or financially trapped in a cycle of pain.
It exists to support women at one of the most vulnerable moments in their health journey — when the right treatment could change everything, but the cost stands in the way.
My hope is that through community support, partnerships and generosity, the Shebie Foundation will help ensure that no woman has to suffer longer than necessary because she cannot afford treatment.
This is just the beginning of a movement to create greater access, awareness and support for women living with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
— Kristy O’Brien
Founder, The Shebie Foundation
About The Shebie Foundation
Why The Shebie Foundation Exists
The Shebie Foundation was created to address a reality that far too many women face — the cost of accessing treatment for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Across Australia, thousands of women live with chronic pain, fatigue, and debilitating symptoms caused by these conditions. While treatment options exist, accessing specialist care and surgery can come with significant out-of-pocket costs.
For many women, the financial burden becomes another obstacle in an already difficult journey.
The Shebie Foundation was established to help change that.
Our mission is simple:
To remove financial barriers so women living with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis can access the treatment they need without financial hardship.
The Reality Many Women Face
Endometriosis and Adenomyosis affect millions of women worldwide, yet the path to diagnosis and treatment can often take years.
Even once diagnosed, many women are faced with:
• Long waiting periods for specialist care
• Significant out-of-pocket surgical costs
• Limited financial support options
• The emotional and physical toll of living with chronic pain
No one should have to delay treatment simply because they cannot afford it.
The Shebie Foundation exists to support women during one of the most challenging moments in their health journey.
What We Do
The Shebie Foundation provides financial assistance grants to women who require medical treatment for Endometriosis or Adenomyosis and are experiencing financial hardship.
By helping to cover out-of-pocket medical and surgical costs, we aim to give women access to care sooner and reduce the stress that financial barriers can create.
In addition to financial support, the foundation also advocates for:
• Greater awareness of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
• Improved access to specialist care
• Increased understanding of the challenges women face when navigating treatment
Our Vision
By 2035, the Shebie Foundation aims to see a future where:
All Australian women diagnosed with Endometriosis or Adenomyosis can access surgery without financial stress.
Our Values
Compassion
We approach every story with empathy and understanding.
Transparency
We operate openly and responsibly with our community and supporters.
Equity
We believe every woman deserves access to care regardless of financial circumstances.
Empowerment
We support women to take control of their health and their future.
Join Us
The Shebie Foundation is built on the belief that no woman should suffer in silence because she cannot afford treatment.
Through community support, partnerships, and donations, we are working toward a future where access to care is not determined by financial circumstance.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women living with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!