On Monday, February 9th, actress, model, and endometriosis advocate Abbey Lee hosted the second installment of MEN FOR ENDO, a campaign designed to shift the narrative on endometriosis specifically with men. MEN FOR ENDO aims to encourage men to understand and talk openly about endometriosis with their partners, friends, families and each other.
The intimate dinner for 60 guests was hosted at The Wall Street Hotel with the support of Paspaley and brought together guests in the fields of film, design, art, sport, science, business and philanthropy to learn about, discuss, and ultimately champion a disease that affects 1 in 10 people who menstruate worldwide.
Endometriosis is one of the most complex diseases and one of the most misunderstood. The diagnostic delay of 7-10 years in the United States isn't just a medical failure—it's a worldwide cultural one. For too long, endometriosis has been relegated to "women's issues," discussed only in certain spaces, by certain voices.
Abbey Lee's vision challenges this paradigm. MEN FOR ENDO operates on the principle that for endometriosis to receive the attention, research funding, and medical innovation it deserves, men must be part of the conversation—not to dominate it, but to amplify it.
“I have found that the majority of awareness initiatives are focused on women, which is amazing,” Abbey shares, “but it’s also really important that we include men. That’s how we move the needle further.”
The February 9th dinner exemplified this mission. Among the attendees were models Elsie Hewitt, Lara Worthington, Georgia Fowler, Arthur Kolkov, directors Daniel Askill and Rory McGregor, actors Otmara Marrero, Michael Gandolfini and Thomas Doherty, Hospitality entrepreneurs Tim Sykes, Ronnie Flynn and Lincoln Pilcher along with co-founder of Milk Studios Mazdak Rassi, Creatives Jeffrey Hidalgo Burch (Makeup by Mario) and Emmanuel Tommassini (Saint Laurent), and endometriosis specialist and co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America Dr. Tamer Seckin, who, in a spontaneous moment that captured the evening's collaborative spirit, was asked by Abbey to speak and introduce her—a gesture that symbolized the partnership between patient advocates and medical experts that so critically defines the endometriosis movement.
Abbey Lee and Elsie Hewitt shared their personal journeys with endometriosis in powerful and deeply moving speeches that emphasized not only how necessary it is for men to be a part of the conversation, but also just how willing they can be to listen.
“The men in the room were beautifully open hearted and paid close attention to words that were being said,” Abbey shares about the evening. “They shared stories with me and with each other and left feeling inspired and encouraged to reach out to loved ones, which is exactly what the night aimed to achieve.”
“Most men truly want to support the women that they love,” Abbey adds, “but our society is not set up to include men in the conversation around women’s bodies, so how can they even get that chance? This is about empowering men to stand with us, to open their minds and hearts to going on this journey with us because it’s an exhausting one.”
The significance of MEN FOR ENDO extends beyond a single evening. When men—fathers, brothers, partners, colleagues, and friends—understand endometriosis, the cultural stigma around discussing menstrual health diminishes. Abbey Lee's initiative recognizes that endometriosis awareness cannot remain confined to those who experience it directly. The disease's impact ripples through families, workplaces, and communities—and so must the advocacy.
As Dr. Seckin himself reflected, “That's why Abbey Lee’s vision for MEN FOR ENDO matters so deeply. When men step into this conversation—not to speak over, but to listen, learn, and advocate—we move closer to real awareness, earlier diagnosis, and better care. I'm grateful to Abbey for the invitation and for intentionally including men in this critical dialogue. This kind of allyship is not optional. It's essential.”
When men care about endo, their daughters, partners, sisters, and colleagues benefit. When men talk about endo, the conversation reaches new audiences. When men advocate for endo, the medical establishment listens differently. By creating intentional spaces for education and dialogue, Abbey Lee is building a network of male allies who can carry the message of endometriosis awareness into spaces that have historically remained silent on the issue.
