Fund will Honor the Life of Renowned Advocate
Delray Beach, FL / November 16, 2007 -- 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 sup****t, 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 sup****t.
"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 sup****ted 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 sup****t 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 sup****t. 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 sup****t, 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@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
or by phoning toll free to 800/239.7280.
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