Dear Friends of the Endometriosis Research Center, 

On behalf of the entire ERC team, we extend our best wishes to you as we segue into Awareness Month 2006 and the ERC’s 9th Birthday!  It is our hope that 2006 will be the year in which breakthroughs are made and positive strides are accomplished in Endometriosis research, treatment and awareness.

As you are likely aware, through the tireless efforts of the ERC, legislation has been formally established here in the United States officially noting March as Endometriosis Awareness Month.  As a result, the ERC traditionally celebrates the entire month of March with awareness activities, fundraisers, educational initiatives, and more.  We are also pleased to collaborate with Endo foundations across Europe and Australia, all of whom traditionally celebrate their own awareness activities during a select week in March.  For more information on global efforts, please visit www.endometriosis.org.  As in the past, we would like to invite everyone to join the ERC in celebrating this March with us.  We welcome the opportunity to work together in order to make strong contributions to Endometriosis awareness, and believe that working together with our friends, advisors and colleagues both here and throughout the international Endo community will only help to make a positive difference in the lives of patients around the world.

This year we are planning various activities for March, including our standard media campaigns, educational efforts, Adopt-a-Doctor, fundraisers and an exciting collaboration with the country’s leading Endometriosis research and treatment Center.  Please get involved!  Our strength is greatest and we accomplish the most when we work together.  See below for a detailed listing of upcoming activities, and contact us to add your own!

Best wishes and Happy Endometriosis Awareness Month from the ERC family to yours! 

ERC Awareness Campaign:  the ERC is nationally renowned for our pioneering efforts and successes in the Legislative arenas, helping to raise recognition about issues pertinent to Endometriosis education and research at the policymaker level.  It is our belief that no one with this disease should suffer in silence, and we continue to strongly advocate for early intervention, timely diagnosis and efficacy of treatment.  CLICK HERE to read our accomplishments in passing legislation officially recognizing this disease and learn how to get involved in passing local legislation in your state.

ERC Adopt a Doctor Program: this very basic and easy program entails the mailing (or otherwise delivering) of our "Adopt a Doctor" package to various physicians and healthcare providers, including those in care centers and hospital settings in your area.  Doing so helps to raise awareness about "Endometriosis Awareness Month," the ERC's various programs, and of course - most importantly - the Endometriosis patient!  Please download and print your free campaign materials and get them out to those in your community.  Make additional copies as needed!  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (PDF format).

ERC Screening & Education Kit: The ERC is pleased to present to you our Screening & Education Kit, updated for 2006. Originally developed in collaboration with the United States Department of Health & Human Services Office on Women’s Health in celebration of National Women’s Health Week, our Kit was designed to empower women and girls living with Endometriosis by helping them to better understand the disease and live well with – and in spite of! - Endometriosis.  Included in this informative package is our Endometriosis Self-Test, the ERC’s “Endometriosis: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions” presentation, our Endometriosis Pain Journal, which will enable you to effectively track and monitor your symptoms and share them with your doctor, and resources on how and where to Get the Help You Need.  CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD (PDF format).

ERC/CEC Educational Collaboration:  The ERC is delighted to team up with the Center for Endometriosis Care this year in celebration of Awareness Month 2006!  The Center for Endometriosis Care is an internationally renowned specialty surgery center with headquarters in Atlanta, GA.  Formed in 1991, the CEC successfully treats Endometriosis in patients from around the world utilizing the advanced method of laparoscopic excision.  The CEC also provides surgical preceptorships and performs credentialing for qualified gynecologic surgeons from all countries, in order to promote the effective treatment of the disease.   Additionally, the CEC maintains the world’s largest database studying the long-term success of excision.  To honor all those with Endometriosis and help celebrate Awareness Month, the ERC and the CEC have paired up to present a free comprehensive packet on the disease.  Included is information on Endometriosis, treatment options, details on obtaining a free records evaluation and treatment recommendations from the CEC, helpful resources, and much, much more.  If you are interested in obtaining the CEC/ERC Awareness Presentation, please call (866) 733-5540 throughout the month of March to request your free copy.

Fundraisers:  The ERC is pleased to present to you a T-shirt to help celebrate Endo Awareness Month March 2006!  Proceeds from the sales of these T-shirts will help the ERC to continue its efforts in offering empowerment, support and education to women who suffer from Endometriosis.  We are also offering a style that the men might enjoy wearing to show their support for the women they love.  CLICK HERE TO ORDER TODAY!

Cook for the Cure!  The ERC is extremely excited to present our very own cookbook, "Down Home Cooking with Endo Sisters."  This cookbook was made possible with recipe contributions from our own Angel Network Members and Members of the ERC ListServ, the Internet’s largest electronic Endo support group.  We hope that you will enjoy the efforts of our team with the fun and comforting recipes.  Ordering will start soon and proceeds will benefit the ERC’s education and support programs.  See http://www.endocenter.org/cookbookform.htm for details and to submit your own recipe!