Theresa Porcaro

Theresa was 12 years old the first time she questioned her body and the symptoms she experienced. For 19 years, she was told it was in her head, part of being a woman, that she was too thin, should lose weight, exercise more, exercise less. She was misdiagnosed and overprescribed medications and procedures. Despite her mother having endometriosis, Theresa internalized her symptoms and pain as a flaw – she simply “had a low pain tolerance”.

It was strangers on the internet – and a chance CT scan – that gave her the courage and the voice to demand more and question her providers. After her excision surgery and diagnosis in 2021, Theresa left her career in tech and moved into healthcare marketing so she could fight for patients just like her who simply want to be heard and validated.

As the Head of Marketing for Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine, Theresa works nationwide to bring access to care to pelvic pain and endometriosis patients. Worthy Warrior exists because every patient deserves to know they are not alone, to have a community, and to hear: “Me, too” when they share their experiences living through chronic pain.