BWH, Children’s Launch Center for Endometriosis
More than 6 million women in the U.S. suffer from endometriosis, a painful condition that can affect fertility. Endometriosis occurs when cells that grow in the lining of the uterus begin growing in other parts of the body.
BWH and Children’s Hospital have launched a first-of-its-kind center, called the Boston Center for Endometriosis, that will serve as the premier diagnostic, treatment, research and educational resource for women from adolescence through adulthood.
“The Boston Center for Endometriosis is unique in its features,” said Marc R. Laufer, MD, chief of Gynecology at Boston Children’s Hospital, and a gynecologic surgeon in BWH’s Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery. “Currently, no one in the world has a teen-through-adulthood endometriosis program that can ensure both seamless clinical care for patients while conducting research to fuel scientific progress.”
The center received a $3 million gift from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation to support its research efforts. The gift will fund the center’s innovative database and biorepository, as well as the Endometriosis Research Awards program to encourage scientists to participate in the search for a cure. Half of the gift is a challenge grant that is contingent on raising another $1.5 million in research funds.
“The center, through integration of clinical and scientific disciplines, will bring together leaders in the study of endometriosis to advance our knowledge across the life-course through innovations in genetics, lifestyle and environment to promote long-term health,” said Stacey Missmer, ScD, a BWH researcher who will serve as scientific director of the center.
The Marriott Foundation hopes that its commitment to matching gifts will encourage individuals, families and organizations to join in supporting the center and accelerating discoveries that ultimately will lead to a cure.
“Through our foundation, the Marriott family has tried to make a difference in the world by supporting causes and organizations that share our ideals,” said Richard E. Marriott, chairman of The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. “Under Dr. Laufer’s leadership, we believe the Boston Center for Endometriosis will improve the future for girls and young women suffering from this devastating condition.”