Ashlie Barrett, the ‘endo warrior’ ablaze with light and love

At the age of 16, brave warrior Ashlie Barrett underwent laparoscopic surgery, a medical procedure that would prepare her for the fight of her life with endometriosis. Despite the trials and tribulations that came with this diagnosis, she rose like a phoenix with beauty, strength, style and grace. Her story is one of resilience, hope and advocacy, as she sends positive messages of ‘you got this, Sis!’ and ‘you are not alone’ to other women who are facing a similar fate or dealing with trauma from mental and physically crippling chronic illnesses.

“Endometriosis has been a relentless force in my life, impacting my physical and emotional well-being in profound ways. The pain, the uncertainty, and the countless medical visits have become a part of my reality. However, I refuse to let this disorder define me or dictate my future. Instead, I choose to transform my pain into purpose,” she told Sunday Lifestyle.

Barrett recalled trading school time for hospital visits. The bouts of excruciating pain, aggressive nausea and fainting spells were always met with the same answer: anaemia. But her parents weren’t convinced that this was the case. “Life was innocently passing by. I had all the dreams and aspirations you could imagine! I wanted everything: a traditional family, a respectable job in media. I wanted to be legendary. Life was limitless and overfilled with possibilities,” she revealed.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. This leads to inflammation and scar tissue forming in the pelvic region. The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There’s no cure for it and it can be difficult to treat. Treatment aims to ease symptoms so the condition does not interfere with daily life.

The patient discovered that this severity was in fact hereditary, since her older sister was also diagnosed with it. But it wasn’t all negative. She was able to turn some of those lemons into refreshingly healthy lemonade. “I took charge of my health, incorporating deep meditation and exercise. Also, I accredited more value to my support systems. I have so many incredible people in my corner, and I could never cope or achieve treatment without them.”

It subsequently became her heart’s desire to share her story and help other women walking in her heels. “The experience I had would have been meaningless if I didn’t find a way to share it. I wanted to ensure that my voice would save and help in some way, shape, or form. The quality of our society heavily depends on our health sectors and I honestly believe, with better education towards what we endure, that there would be more compassion and positive progression as a people.”

In 2016, she took her advocacy to pageantry, making a regal strut to Miss Jamaica World. She entered primarily with the ‘beauty with a purpose’ component in mind, because she knew that it would be a perfect platform to raise awareness around endometriosis. “I desperately needed an avenue for meaningful expression towards women in Jamaica who would listen,” she said.

Going on to win the competition, the overall experience was a lot different from what she had expected, but she was still able to accomplish a great deal of representation and advocacy.

“It is so important to me to advocate for women suffering in silence, simply because positive representation could have saved me a surgery or two. I feel supported through advocacy and the opportunity to listen and share with women who not only have endo but general chronic illnesses that affect our reproductive systems,” she explained.

She takes the time to debunk any myths associated with the illness. Among the stigmas attached is the automatic talk of reproductivity or lack thereof. “I think we forget that motherhood isn’t necessarily a biological thing,” she pointed out, adding, “A real mom comes from the innate features of nurturing and caring. I can be a mom in 50 years if I decide to, with my health still in check! Technology has and keeps surprising us!”

Barrett credits endometriosis for teaching her everything about inner strength and resilience, “It has taught me the art of transformative energy. This condition was not my reason to ask the universe ‘Why me?’ But more so, ‘This is you.’ My purpose in this life is advocating for women who are weak but definitely have the strength to pull through! We are enough and that’s the real deal.”

So, what’s next for this “endo warrior at stage four; full of light and extra love”?

With her eyes set on another crown, she hopes to move forward with her passion for change when it comes to treating and supporting women who are suffering from pain or trauma of any kind. “I hope my experiences continue to mould my life and other lives in an uplifting way. And I hope to be remembered, long after my life has passed, for being a strong and powerful Jamaican woman through endometriosis.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com