WHEREAS, Endometriosis, a condition involving abnormal uterine cell growth, affects nearly 80 million teens and women worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Over 5.5 million women in the United States alone suffer from endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis affects more women than breast cancer does; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis can have a debilitating impact on a woman’s life and her relationships, in some cases rendering her unable to work, to care for herself or her family, or to go about her normal routine; and

WHEREAS, Studies have shown an elevated risk of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases in endometriosis patients; and

WHEREAS, Endometriosis is the leading cause of female infertility and hysterectomy; and

WHEREAS, There is currently no definitive cure for endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, The Endometriosis Research Center (ERC) is a nonprofit organization, that was founded in 1997 to address the needs of the international community of individuals who suffer from endometriosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease through education and support programs; and

WHEREAS, The ERC works to raise awareness about endometriosis throughout the medical and lay communities and raises funds to facilitate and promote existing research for effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for endometriosis; and

WHEREAS, Events and activities, including “ERC Casual Days,” are held annually during the month of March in celebration of the ERC’s anniversary; and

WHEREAS, The goal of these events is to educate the general public about the significance of endometriosis, to support and assist women living with the disease, and to raise funds for the organization’s efforts; now, therefore, be it