The Great Endo Picnic 2025: A Dream, a Downpour, and a Whole Lot of Heart

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world. — Harriet Tubman

Photo by Morena Pheleu

If you’ve ever planned an event, especially an outdoor one, then you’ll know the unique mix of excitement, anxiety, and minor panic that becomes your best friend. Now add the unpredictability of chronic illness, unpredictable weather (hello, climate change!), a disappearing food vendor, and a stressed-out endo warrior who's just trying to pull off a meaningful wrap-up to Endometriosis Awareness Month… and voilà — you’ve got The Great Endo Picnic.

On Saturday, 29 March, something magical happened. Against all odds, the very first Great Endo Picnic took place. Despite the name, it wasn’t meant to be a big, sprawling “thousands-of-people” affair — it was always meant to be intimate, healing, informative and full of heart. And it was. A crowd of just over 100 people gathered to laugh, learn, connect, cry a little (okay, that was mostly me), and celebrate a community that’s been through more than most will ever understand.

The Good (and So So Good!)

Let’s start with the good stuff, because honestly — there was a lot of it.

We had powerful speakers who really brought the house (or garden) down. Dr Neelan Pillay kicked things off with an insightful, easy-to-understand breakdown of what endometriosis really is — because let’s be honest, even some of us who live with it every day still need clarity. Robyn le Roux delivered an enlightening talk on menopause (another conversation we really need more of, by the way). And the panel discussion on infertility had many of us nodding, tearing up, and feeling deeply seen.

The vibe? Immaculate. Sbali Soul Sessions, Lilly Million, and the legends that are Jamali graced us with their music and voices and created the kind of ambiance you can’t fake — equal parts chill, uplifting and so very needed.

But maybe the most beautiful part? The connections. Meeting fellow warriors — many of whom I’ve only ever interacted with online — and feeling the instant bond that comes from shared struggle and shared hope? Priceless. There were hugs, shared glances of “yep, I know exactly what you mean,” and the warmth of community that no sponsor or event planner can manufacture.

And speaking of manufacturing magic — Naledi Masilo of EIA Events & Projects, my personal angel and life-saver — YOU are the MVP. Thank you for helping me bring this dream to life with grace, calm, and pure excellence.

The Hiccups (Because What’s an Event Without Them?)

Now, let’s be real. While things went smoothly on the day (at least mostly), the lead-up? That’s a different story.

First of all — I’ve always had a healthy fear of planning outdoor events. As much as I swoon over garden weddings on Pinterest, I was never going to have one. Too risky. Rain can’t be reasoned with, and neither can climate change.

So when the skies opened up two days before the picnic, and then again the day before, I’ll admit it — I cried. I cried ugly, “this-is-a-sign-to-cancel” tears. I felt everything crumbling. My bank account was already begging for mercy. I couldn’t take another curveball. I was ready to give up.

But my people wouldn’t let me. Friends, family, my lovely Sunshine — they cheered me on, prayed for and with me, reminded me to have faith. They picked me up when I couldn’t even lift my head. And would you believe it — on the actual day of the picnic, not a single raindrop fell. We had clear skies and sunshine. Thank You, God.

Then came the attendees who couldn’t make it — endo warriors struck down by flare-ups, and others caught in the clutches of the vicious flu bug that hit hard. (This same flu took down my husband, mother, brother, other friends, bestie and their entire crews… basically my whole inner circle!). It was tough not seeing the familiar faces I had looked forward to meeting.

And oh — the food vendor? Ghosted me 48 hours before the event. I still haven’t heard from them. It’s giving… abandonment issues. But thankfully, Uber Eats came through with a last-minute save and hungry tummies were fed.

Our planned yoga session, led by an endo warrior instructor, had to be cancelled because she landed in hospital at the last minute. A total bummer, but also a wake-up call to always have plan B, C, and D.

The Lessons and the Light

Despite the stress, the tears, and the disappearing food vendor — I learned so much. Most importantly: back-up plans are not optional. And neither is rest. Or community.

I also learned that people want this. They want connection. They want awareness. They want information. After a wonderful month of endo awareness features on Hot 102.7FM, getting to do a radio interview with them and seeing the picnic featured on their social media and website gave me goosebumps. The response from listeners and followers to the social media post was beautiful and so positive — and honestly? It proved just how needed this event was. If the interview had happened earlier, I truly believe the support and turnout would’ve doubled.

And that’s why I did this. Endometriosis doesn’t get the attention it deserves. So I created a space to help change that. To spread awareness, offer support, and create joy in the middle of the chaos.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

To everyone who supported me — THANK YOU. To those who bought tickets, shared the event, cheered me on, and believed in my vision: I see you, and I love you.

Special shout-out to the magic-makers behind the scenes:

• Morena Pheleu – for all the beautiful photos of the wonderful memories created on the day

• EIA Events & Projects – my lifesavers! Thank you for transforming the space so beautifully.

• Ms Bee Floral – for the most stunning floral arrangements.

• Boiketsi – for the exquisite jewelry that made me feel like a queen.

• Blue Wave Mobile Cocktail, Sushi & Bar Services – for the beautifully curated drinks that kept us refreshed.

• Our incredible sponsors and partners – The Castor Oil Goddess, Vhapfumi Holdings, GynaGuard, Intricate Studios and Sinzinani Spa – your support made such a difference!

• Our speakers – Dr Neelan Pillay, Michelle le Roux, Lesego Motshwane from Seratabatho Foundation and Robyn le Roux from LaBalance - your insights left us with more knowledge to take back home with us.

• Our stalls – Something In a Box, Forever Living by Michelle, Liberty, and Boiketsi – thank you for adding such a vibrant touch to the event!

• And to our incredibly talented performers: Lilly Million, Sbali Soul Sessions, and Jamali – your music kept us on our feet, had us swaying and tapping our feet to beautiful sounds, and provided the perfect backdrop to this special day!

• Hot 102.7FM – for the support and endo awareness highlight.

Until Next Year…for The Great Endo Picnic 2026

The Great Endo Picnic wasn’t just an event. It was a testament to resilience — to what’s possible when a community of warriors, supporters, friends, and dreamers come together despite the odds. It was a soft place to land for many of us, in a world that so often doesn’t understand the weight we carry.

Through the setbacks, the no-shows, the late-night planning, and the weather worries, one thing became very clear: this matters. The need for connection, for safe spaces, for awareness — it’s real. And the support that poured in, even from unexpected places, reminded me that we are not doing this alone.

So yes — there will be another Great Endo Picnic. Bigger, better, and even more intentional. Because if this first one taught me anything, it’s that there’s a fire growing. A community rising. And a movement that’s only just getting started.

Until then — thank you for showing up, in all the ways that you did. Here’s to brighter days, louder voices, deeper healing… and the next great picnic.

Love and light,

Hlengz - The African Endo Warrior

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