Released on = March 3, 2007, 12:41 pm

Press Release Author = Endometriosis Research Center

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Foundation Kicks off Endometriosis Awareness Month with
National Honorary Award

Press Release Body = Delray Beach, FL--(March 3, 2007)--The international
Endometriosis Research Center is extremely pleased to announce the creation of the
Nancy Petersen, RN Nursing Scholarship. In celebration of the ERC\'s tenth
anniversary and Endometriosis Awareness Month, the $1,000 Scholarship will be
awarded to one nursing student enrolled in an LPN, RN, or Bachelor of
Science-Nursing program in the 2007-2008 academic year and who intends to pursue a
career in gynecology or other Endometriosis-related field. Applicants from around
the nation are encouraged to apply for the award.

Nancy Petersen, RN is an ERC Advisor with forty-five years of achievement in nursing
and women\'s health. She is globally renowned for her pioneering efforts in
Endometriosis education, awareness and patient support, and implemented the
country\'s first Endometriosis program to feature Laparoscopic Excision surgery
(LAPEX). Her groundbreaking work has led the way to improved patient care and
empowered countless women and girls to live well in spite of the disease. Created
in her honor, the Scholarship is intended to help a deserving student pursue their
dream of a career in nursing in the reproductive health field.

The merit-based scholarship application is open to students across the United States
and will be awarded on scholastic achievement, community service, essay, and
completed application form. Deadline to apply is June 30, 2007.

Endometriosis is a painful reproductive and immunological disease in which tissue
similar to that lining the uterus migrates and implants in other areas of the body.
Affecting more than 5.5 million women and girls in the United States alone with over
70 million more worldwide, the illness continues to be stigmatized as simply
\"painful periods.\" A leading cause of female infertility, chronic pelvic pain and
gynecologic surgery, Endometriosis accounts for more than half of the 600,000
hysterectomies performed in the U.S. annually. Symptoms include pelvic pain,
infertility, pain with intercourse, gastrointestinal difficulties, fatigue,
allergies, and immune system dysfunction. Recent research has also shown an elevated
risk of certain cancers and autoimmune disorders in those with Endometriosis, as
well as malignant changes within the disease itself.

Researchers remain unsure as to the definitive cause of Endometriosis, which can
only be diagnosed through surgery, and there is no absolute cure. Though researchers
remain unsure as to definitive causes of the illness, current studies indicate that
gene dysregulation, immune system dysfunction, and exposure to environmental
toxicants may be contributing factors.

Businesses lose billions of dollars annually in lost productivity and work time
related to the disease. Endometriosis knows no racial or socioeconomic barriers, and
can affect women ranging from adolescence to post-menopause. A disease of missed
opportunities, it can be so painful as to render a woman or teen unable to care for
herself or her family, attend work, school, social functions, or go about her normal
routine. Despite the hallmark symptoms associated with Endometriosis, the average
delay in diagnosis remains an astounding nine years, and a patient will seek the
counsel of five or more physicians before her pain is adequately addressed. It is
not unusual for a patient to undergo repeat surgeries and embark on many different
medical therapies in an attempt to temporarily treat symptoms.

The ERC is an established 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on research
facilitation, patient and professional education, support and advocacy, and raising
of disease awareness. The ERC strongly advocates for early intervention, timely
diagnosis, and efficacy of treatment for the disease. The organization maintains
that Endometriosis is more than just killer cramps. \"We continue to find that
Endometriosis remains misdiagnosed, misunderstood and ineffectively treated, despite
being one of the most prevalent causes of pelvic pain in women and teens around the
globe,\" said Michelle E. Marvel, ERC Founder and Executive Director. \"It is our
hope that our new scholarship will be one small step in the right direction towards
raising Endometriosis awareness among tomorrow's health care professionals.\"

The ERC is a free organization that has pioneered and led efforts over the past
decade to increase disease recognition among local, state and federal policymakers.
Through the ERC\'s work, Congress previously passed the country\'s first-ever National
Endometriosis Awareness Resolution, the first and only of its kind to formally
recognize the disease and officially declare March as Endometriosis Awareness Month.
The states of New York, Utah, Florida, Colorado, California, Pennsylvania, New
Mexico and Michigan have also worked with the ERC to pass local legislation. The
ERC is also sponsoring additional educational, awareness and fundraising endeavors
throughout Endometriosis Awareness Month.

For details on Awareness Month and the Nancy Petersen, RN Nursing Scholarship,
please visit http://www.endocenter.org or email Heather@EndoCenter.org.

Web Site = http://www.endocenter.org

Contact Details = Endometriosis Research Center
an International 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization
World Headquarters: 630 Ibis Drive | Delray Beach, FL 33444 | USA
Direct Email: Heather@EndoCenter.org | Internet: http://www.endocenter.org