ABOUT THE ERC
The ERC was founded in early 1997 by Executive Director Michelle E. Marvel with her vision of addressing the ongoing need for international endometriosis awareness, advocacy, support, education, legislative efforts and research facilitation. The organization continues to be led today by our Executive Director and a small group of uncompensated volunteers.
Since our founding, we have been giving a space to share the voices of those with the disease. The ERC is an independent organization with no affiliation to other foundations or associations; however, we are happy to collaborate with several leading gynecologic and endometriosis organizations on various projects when appropriate. We have various volunteer chapters, such as the EndoCenter of ChicagoLand, undertaking local efforts in their own communities as well.
The ERC strives to make a positive impact on behalf of all those affected by endometriosis, to ensure that society recognizes the far-reaching impact the illness continues to have on all who struggle – not just those trying to conceive. Since our inception, we have tirelessly pushed back against the myths, misinformation and lack of understanding about this illness on a global basis – sometimes originating even within the endometriosis community itself. We do not charge for any services. A free, truly non-profit foundation in every sense of the word, we exist solely on volunteer efforts and donations. We operate on a zero compensation structure; we do not pay any staff, board, advisors, or executive salaries whatsoever. 100% of all donations are applied to various programs designed to raise endometriosis awareness and sponsor a myriad of disease initiatives.
We do not accept funding from GnRH analog manufacturers, nor do we accept funding from physicians in exchange for patient referrals. We do not have any “Facebook Group” affiliates nor association with any practitioners, though we may call on the advice of leading physician or research experts in the community from time to time. We do not offer physician referrals and do not endorse or recommend any specific practitioners. We do not endorse any “vetting” services or “physician lists” and encourage individuals to speak with peers who have undergone care directly. We do not offer medical advice, but rather, advocate for the community so that individuals can access educational information to decide their own best care. We do not endorse, are not affiliated with, and are not advised by any “medical board” or groups/group leaders.
We work with the international research and healthcare community to make a positive global impact. To that end, we assist with developmental studies and data collection on the disease; work on policy-related developments; lend support towards various research appropriations and provide small funding grants to selected proposals; facilitate ongoing research ranging from recruitment for select clinical trials on proprietary new treatments to participation in genetic research studies for various biotech companies focused on the discovery of novel therapeutics and diagnostics to address significant unmet needs in endometriosis, and much more. We were also the coordinators of the world’s first self-collection kit and testing method to attempt to provide a screening system for the illness in the 1990s; the preliminary results were promising, and this novel work quickly became a primary area of focus for the global biotech community today.
Our organization also performed a large product focus study involving the first unique product designed specifically for menstrual cramping experienced by some with the disease, as well as on similar products including a specially-designed heating pad. Our early involvement paved the way for further product developments which are now being embraced by other organizations and used by patients everywhere. We were also involved in the proprietary study into a specific biological sample concentration discovered in people with endometriosis in collaboration with a leading clinical diagnostic testing company (also the first of its kind).
We previously conducted a study of medical professionals in collaboration with a leading biotech firm, using data collection and analysis to determine the scientific formulation of a proprietary compound. We were also the first organization in the world to recognize and support critical research into Aromatase production in endometriosis lesions, now a crucial area of interest in the worldwide scientific community. ERC has also been a strong proponent and leader in the effort to educate adolescents, school nurses and community health leaders to achieve early diagnosis and ensure efficacy of treatment early in the disease process. We are also happy to work with, and support the endeavors of as appropriate, several of our fellow endometriosis organizations to achieve a unified goal on behalf of all those suffering. We do not earn any income from such collaborations.
We investigate controversial issues in endometriosis research to ensure that all facets of the disease are adequately addressed; even publicly challenging popular and politically accepted study conclusions, and continue to maintain a vocal stance against organizations and academic centers that exhibit industry-biased outcomes as a result of their funding and donor sources and pharmaceutical/device ties.
The ERC has collaborated on countless books, publications, documentaries, videos and much more pertaining to the disease over the years, as well as working with the extended media to bring education and awareness to lay and professional societies alike.
Before the program’s discontinuance, we also previously offered a small Nursing Education Scholarship to selected students in honor of a former advisor.
We were the first to sponsor and host the first (and of course, free) educational internet webcast during our Symposium and workshops held at the ERC national Conference in the U.S. capital city of Washington, DC over two decades ago. We were also presenters at the First National EndoWalk for Awareness on March 25, 2000 at the invitation of the five independent founders and organizers of the event. We are a leader in awareness initiatives, with ours being the first endometriosis advocacy organization in the country to undertake the important task of raising awareness among policymakers. Subsequently, the ERC is nationally renowned for helping to raise recognition about issues pertinent to endometriosis education and research.
To that end, our efforts resulted in the first-ever U.S. National Endometriosis Awareness Resolution, unanimously passed by Congress. The 107th Congress of the United States formally recognized the disease on the Floor of the House through the introduction and adoption of H.Con.Res.291. This Bill formally proclaimed March as National Endometriosis Awareness Month and expressed the sense of the United States Congress that it “strongly supports the ERC’s efforts to raise public awareness of Endometriosis throughout the medical and lay communities and recognizes the need for better support of patients with Endometriosis, the need for physicians to better understand the disease, the need for more effective treatments, and ultimately, the need for a cure.” Though March has long been universally celebrated as Awareness Month, ours was the first-ever nationally endorsed resolution read on the House Floor to formalize March as Endometriosis Awareness Month. Additionally, several additional state and local Resolutions have also been passed on the ERC’s behalf across the nation. We have also testified before the California State Legislature by invitation of Assembly Bill 2820, a crucial health bill calling for independent research into the presence of dioxins in menstrual hygiene products and the subsequent risks these toxins pose to users. AB 2820 was approved by majority vote and passed on to the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. We were also participants in the creation of the country’s first-ever Legislative Tool Kit.
Though we are not affiliates, the ERC is a proud supporter of the EndoWhat? School Nurse Kit Initiative, which places accurate, timely education on endometriosis in schools across America. EndoWhat? also secured millions of dollars in endometriosis research funding from the United States Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), and the ERC was proud to be represented on the panel evaluating the research applications submitted to the PRMRP.
We are proud to support several Below the Belt screenings, the groundbreaking documentary Executive Produced by American diplomat, attorney, writer and speaker who served as U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. Democratic Senator from New York, and First Lady of the United States, Hilary Rodham Clinton; actress Rosario Dawson; and actress Corinne Foxx. The film is directed by acclaimed endometriosis activist Shannon Cohn, an attorney and filmmaker whose work has appeared on Discovery Channel & Nat Geo, among others. Her previous film Endo What? was hailed by Gabrielle Jackson of The Guardian as “film of the year” and by Newsweek as “the first step in a plan for change.” We do not receive any proceeds of any kind in exchange for our support of any initiatives, but are glad to amplify important messaging that provides for better research, education, care, and support of those with endometriosis.
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. Our primary concern is working hard to improve the quality of life for all those affected by this illness, at any age, gender identity, sexual orientation, race or socioeconomic status. Not only for those with the disease but also for those who love them, the ERC was also first to offer an organization-owned support group in the early days of the worldwide web (though later discontinued). We are still working hard to try and change things for the patients of tomorrow. Led by a Founder & Executive Director who personally suffers from this disease, the ERC works towards common community goals, collaborating regularly with many individuals from different professional and patient organizations around the world to ensure their voices are heard. We believe when one of us has a success, it is a success for all.
ERC World Headquarters: 630 Ibis Drive | Delray Beach , FL 33444 | Toll free (800) 239-7280
Registration #CH7844 (state of FL). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services in Florida by calling toll free 800-435-7352 or by visiting the Division’s website at fdacs.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
General Inquiries:
Endometriosis Research Center
630 Ibis Drive
Delray Beach, FL 33444
E-mail: askerc@endocenter.org
Toll Free: (800) 239-7280
Fax: (561) 274-0931