The long difficult journey we face and the invisible battle no one sees...

We stand together.

Welcome to Endo Warriors' Trek

My name is Winona Sangster and I started @endowarriorstrek as a way to share my endometriosis story as well to share factual posts, resources and ways to manage your endometriosis for the highs to the lows.

I am Winona Sangster and I am a passionate advocate for women’s health and an entrepreneur with a personal connection to the challenges of living with endometriosis. Diagnosed with the condition myself, I have faced the ups and downs of managing chronic pain while navigating the complexities of life, health, and well-being. With a focus on self-care, empowerment, and advocacy, I have created My Endometriosis Journey, a workbook designed to help others who are walking the same difficult path.

I am the Owner & CEO of B Creative Prints, Frames & Design Inc., a small business providing print, framing, and design services in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. In addition, I am dedicated to creating positive change in her community through various volunteer roles.

With nearly two million Canadians affected by endometriosis, my workbook offers more than just personal stories and encouragement. It’s a resource filled with inspirational quotes, tips for managing pain, playlists, and practical advice on how to advocate for yourself while navigating the healthcare system. I hope that one day, there will be a cure for endometriosis, but until then, my dream is to help other women survive and thrive, finding strength even on the toughest days.

Through my journey, I have learned the importance of community and support. I believe that by sharing my story and resources, others can gain the courage and comfort to keep going—one step at a time.

Together, we are all Endo Warriors, fighting this invisible battle together.

Endometriosis is a full body disease that can affect many organ systems. The symptoms make everyday life challenging from missing school or work, interfering with social life and impacting mental health.

Endometriosis is found in the pelvis area however can be found elsewhere in the body. The organs, such as the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina, make up the pelvic area along with supporting muscles and ligaments. Often referred to as the reproductive organs. Along with these, there is the bowels and the bladder.

The uterine cells during menstruation transplant themselves outside of the uterus into the abdominal walls. These uterine cell implants act similar to the uterus during a period causing bleeding and pain outside of the reproduction organs. Currently research is being done to see if these cells act similarly to cancer cells.

There are 3 different types:

Superficial endometriosis is when endo growths form on the surface of tissues.
Deep endometriosis (previously called deep infiltrating endometriosis) grows into the tissue underneath it. It can cause damage to the organs it grows on.
Endometriomas are when endo grows on the ovaries. They are sometimes also called “chocolate cysts” because they are filled with dark brown fluid.

Endometriosis can also be found in areas outside the pelvis and is called extrapelvic endometriosis; and is less common.

Image Source: endometriosisnetwork.com/endo-hub/extrapelvic-endometriosis-a-guide-for-people-living-with-endometriosis/

Living everyday with endometriosis can be tough and challenging with many missing out on life events, work and social activities because of the pain and overall symptoms of endometriosis. Impacting personal relationships as well as mental health.

Everyone’s experience of endometriosis is different, but there are common symptoms to assist in diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms: pelvic pain, painful intercourse, bowel issues, bladder problems, fertility issues, fatigue.

As I have gone and still am going through my endometriosis journey there are many ways I have found to keep myself sane, take care of my mental health and ensure I am able to keep a positive attitude on life.

One of the most important things for me is to give back to those around me. I volunteer with local community groups as the support and even just casual conversation allows my mind to stay present and work towards a common goal. As I have come to terms with not having children, I have taken those motherly instincts and have applied them to my community around me and to my dogs.

When I need to take some time to myself and step back I find being creative is a way to let out the pain, take my mind of my body and just focus on colours. I have included a section of colouring pages as a way to decompress and know you are enough, you did enough and now its time to relax.

Taking a walk in nature or outside is another way I decompress and try to escape my endometriosis reality. I find a place less crowded so I can wander and just let my mind go blank. Closing my eyes, listening to the sounds of the trees, the crickets and take in fresh air.

Find your escape and remember never let endometriosis control you, it can just side step us for a minute. And well sometimes just curling up and taking a nap is all we can do.

Tools like mindfulness and cognitive behaviour therapy can assist in lowering stress and anxiety.

Becoming actively aware of the present and paying attention to the current moment, including your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, without subjectivity.

Learn More at CMHA

Type of psychotherapy that helps people change unwanted thoughts and behaviour patterns to assist in managing conditions like anxiety, depression and other conditions.

Learn More at CAMH

Mental Health, Well-Being, and Quality of Life:A Guide for People With Endometriosis and Those Who Support Them from
The Endometriosis Network of Canada

EndoAct Canada (endoact.ca)
#ActOnEndo

Driving policy action based on science and grounded needs of those of us in the endometriosis community.

The Endo Warriors' Trek initiative

A multi-faceted project to educate and bring awareness to endometriosis and women’s health from a lived perspective.

Learn more

an endo warrior's trek

A creative project focused on awareness and advocacy for endometriosis and women's health inspired by my own experiences, story telling and seasonal changes

Launching March 2027

Stickers for Endo

Various stickers created for inspiration and motivation with all sticker proceeds donated to The Endometriosis Network of Canada. Designed using Canva.

Coming Soon!

Endo Warriors' Trek Shop

As the Endo Warriors' Trek initiative grows, new materials will be created as the trek continues for those of us living with this invisible disease.

The first collection includes a book, zine and affirmation cards as a prelude to the art exhibition Trekking Through The Darkness: An Endo Warrior’s Story, set to launch during Endometriosis Awareness Month in March 2027.

Every purchase helps to raise awareness for endometriosis and women's health with a portion of each sale donated to The Endometriosis Network of Canada