Endometriosis Research Center Announces Establishment of the Ellen Thompson Johnson Memorial Fund

The Endometriosis Research Center announced today the establishment of a Memorial Fund designed to honor and celebrate the life of Ellen T. Johnson, a globally renowned Endometriosis and women's health advocate. Ellen died on November 11, 2007 of metastatic breast cancer in Houston, TX.

The Ellen T. Johnson Memorial Fund is intended to help defray some of the costs of surgery and expenses for women and girls seeking Endometriosis treatment.

Women and girls with the disease often find it necessary to seek care outside their local health system for effective treatment, and true Endometriosis specialists and their respective centers are limited in number. Obtaining such treatment often incurs cross-country travel and significant costs not covered by a patient's insurance. "Ellen was an unwavering source of support, education and inspiration to countless women and girls with Endometriosis and other health issues," said ERC Executive Director Michelle E. Marvel. "Her positive impact and selfless efforts throughout the international Endometriosis community will be recognized with gratitude for years to come; she helped change the face of this disease for so many who would have otherwise suffered in silence," said Marvel. "It is only fitting that we honor her memory by continuing to help others get the care they need in her name."

In a statement released by her family, Ellen is described as a woman who "loved life, God, her husband David LeRoy Johnson, her devoted family, her incredible friends, the great State of Texas, buckwheat pancakes with real maple syrup, warm socks, being a girly girl, experimental cooking, good movies, and a well-written sentence. Throughout her journey with cancer, her faith rarely wavered. She remained steadfast in the belief that while this was not the path she would have chosen, it was certainly the path she was intended to travel."

An award-winning writer and outspoken advocate of women's health issues, Ellen's work was featured in countless patient and professional resources. She was also globally recognized as a pioneer in Endometriosis awareness, education and patient support.

"We are among the innumerable that had the honor of calling Ellen our dear friend, and are privileged to be among thousands of others around the globe who are better people simply by virtue of having known her and having had her in our lives," said Heather Guidone, ERC Executive Board Member.

The Ellen T. Johnson Memorial Fund will be supported through tax-deductible donations to the ERC in Ellen's name. The funds will be disbursed on a case by case basis as permitted to disadvantaged patients in need of effective Endometriosis treatment. The foundation has also already received a service commitment to the Memorial Fund from one of the world's leading Endometriosis treatment centers, and is seeking additional support from the healthcare community to offer similar services in conjunction with the Fund.

The Endometriosis Research Center is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, tax-deductible organization founded by Executive Director Michelle E. Marvel in 1997 in order to address the growing international need for disease research, education, awareness, and patient support. The foundation is unique in that it is the only free Endometriosis advocacy organization in the world; there is never a cost to join, participate in or benefit from the ERC's vast support, education and research facilitation programs.

To make a tax-deductible donation in Ellen's name, or to offer professional services in association with her Memorial Fund, please contact the Endometriosis Research Center by email at Heather@endocenter.org or by phoning toll free to 800/239.7280.