Guest Author - Heather C. Guidone

In late 2002, the 107th Congress of the United States unanimously passed official legislation bringing formal attention to Endometriosis, a painful and incurable disease that affects nearly 8 million women and teens in the US alone. House Concurrent Resolution 291, co-authored by the Endometriosis Research Center, was the first-ever legislation adopted by the United States officially proclaiming March as National Endometriosis Awareness Month.

The Resolution formally recognized the need for Endometriosis awareness and education, and expressed the sense of Congress that it "strongly supports the Endometriosis Research Center's (ERC) 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." In addition to the National Resolution, California, Michigan, Florida, and Pennsylvania have all adopted similar statewide legislation. If you would like to help establish an Endometriosis Resolution in your state, contact Mary Prenger at ERC_Mary@yahoo.com today.

Awareness efforts are still going strong in the Endo community. Celebrate the woman you love - or yourself! - during this time honoring Endometriosis survivors all over the globe. Ways to get involved range from fast and simple to a bit more complicated and time consuming, depending on how involved you want to be. Here are some general ideas:

-- "Adopt a Doctor!" This easy campaign, in which a prepared document is copied and distributed among your local physicians, helps to raise disease awareness, thereby improving patient care. Get your document today by visiting the ERC's website at www.endocenter.org.

-- Writing campaigns: The ERC has an active, ongoing writing campaign. For more information, visit http://www.geocities.com/ercwritingcampaign/.

-- Wear that yellow ribbon proudly! Several years ago, women living with Endo adopted the yellow ribbon as the symbol of our cause. Get yours free from the ERC at http://wwww.endocenter.org or make a simple one yourself. Either way, wear it with pride!

-- Walk for the Women You Love! If you're really motivated and want to raise awareness, get some great exercise AND raise funds for Endo research, think about coordinating a walk-a-thon in your community! The ERC can provide you with all the materials and support your need. Contact them at http://www.endocenter.org.

-- Obtain your copy of the best selling Endo video, "Endometriosis: The Inside Story" by Belle Browne, RN & Monica Flores. This video "tells it like it is" and is a must-have for all Endo survivors. Invite friends and loved ones over for a screening! Visit http://www.endometriosis.org for more information.

-- Dress Down For Endo...hold an ERC casual day! Contact the ERC for more information on this fun program at EndoFL@aol.com (reference "Dress Down Day").

There are plenty of other ways to raise awareness; just use your imagination! Get on out there and celebrate the Endo Survivor!

HAPPY ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS MONTH!