Dear Members: Some of you have been with us since the very first day we launched, nearly 14 years ago. Some of you are just joining us, and we're glad you're here. No matter how long you've been with us, we're grateful for your support. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've grown by leaps and bounds and today, we have over 11,000 members in every corner of the globe. We've helped raised countless funds to support the search for the cure, have raised awareness on a worldwide basis, have contributed to the most import and landmark developments in endometriosis research, have assisted countless patients, loved ones and professionals in understanding the illness, have collaborated with various organizations around the world for the greater good of the global endometriosis community, and so much more. We are very grateful to continue to be a part of the force that is moving towards positive intervention on behalf of all those who suffer. As with any organization that runs, literally, on a shoestring budget - we are the only endometriosis organization that does not charge women with the disease, and we exist SOLELY on donations - our operations are often backlogged. Please remember - we do not have the luxury of a full time staff of 15 or more persons doing the work needed to keep us operating...we have a core group who all struggle with the disease themselves and are all doing the very best they can with what they have to work with. All we ask for from those we serve is understanding - if you don't get an answer immediately to your inquiry, there is a good reason as to why. We need your help if we are going to be able to continue our efforts. Right now, we are literally a skeleton crew due to a number of personal staff issues and recent losses to our ERC family. While our director and her family are grieving their most recent loss, we are merely asking for your patience. That said - we are not taking any new support group or volunteer applications at this time. All new groups/volunteer operations are closed until further notice. Please contact your local group leader for help in your area; if no group exists, please use this board and our Facebook presence for your community support and education needs. In terms of volunteers, we simply do not have the manpower (womanpower?) to manage our network at this time. While we admire and value your willingness to contribute your time and efforts, we cannot allocate volunteer management resources at this current juncture. Please feel free to help spread the word about our existing efforts, announcements, projects, etc. and get involved with our efforts on a collaborative, autonomous basis. We're doing the best we can, folks. Thank you for your understanding and support. __________________ ***************** ERC MODERATORS ADMIN. ACCOUNT

Endometriosis is not a disease of discrimination. It can affect any woman or girl of any background, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. Unfortunately, because the medical community at large assumes heterosexuality when treating patients, Lesbians and Bisexual women and girls with Endo often face unique challenges when dealing with this already-difficult illness. The ERC began our Women2Women program in early 2002, then the only organization at the time to do so, in order to acknowledge and support the perspectives of our Lesbian/Bi members living with the disease and to advocate for them across those barriers presented by the medical establishment. We are providing this folder NOT to divide the Endometriosis community, but rather, to unify it and give those who may need it a frank, open and *safe* area to discuss with others who understand - all aspects and unique challenges presented within the Lesbian/Bisexual Endo community. The ERC believes all women and girls have the right to be free from pain and to be informed, educated partners in their healthcare, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preference, etc. While this topic is also always welcome and encouraged to be posted in the general forum folder, feel free to use this category as well for a more directed dialogue.

Want Endo clothing, accessories, designs - that help raise money for the ERC? Like to search for websites - and raise money for the cause? Like to shop online? All of these and more help raise funds to support the ERC, the world's only free Endo foundation. Learn more here.