After ten years of crippling pain, Bindi Irwin, the late Steve Irwin’s daughter, is on the road to recovery. In March, the 24-year-old wildlife activist disclosed that she had been diagnosed with endometriosis, a disorder in which cells that resemble the lining of the uterus grow outside of it, seriously harming the ovaries, pelvic tissues, and other organs.

Bindi shared her story on Instagram, detailing numerous doctor’s appointments and being turned away before a friend helped her find the answers. An ovarian cyst and 37 lesions were discovered during surgery.

Bindi reminded people that pain isn’t always obvious in her post, which called for compassion. “Your pain is real,” she says, urging women who are suffering in silence to get support and validation. She is grateful for her miracle daughter, Grace Warrior. Keep trying.