From being told that their pain is not real to facing the heartbreak of infertility and even the threat of death, women dealing with endometriosis face incredible, sometimes lifelong journeys that can be rife with suffering and uncertainty. Now, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is partnering with the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) to bring more research to bear on this disease, which affects approximately 200 million women worldwide.
EndoFound has committed $10 million to CSHL to establish the Seckin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health. Tamer Seckin, M.D., Founder and President of the Endometriosis Foundation of America, Founder of the Seckin Endometriosis Center, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and Attending Physician at Lenox Hill Hospital, announced the commitment at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at CSHL. EndoFound leaders and CSHL scientists in attendance expressed tremendous enthusiasm and confidence that EndoFound’s transformative pledge would not only lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic advances for endometriosis but also promote awareness of the disease.
“Imagine having to endure pain levels at or near those experienced during childbirth—every single month for most of your life. That is the reality for millions of women and girls living with endometriosis,” said Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim, Founder and CEO of Celmatix Therapeutics and EndoFound Board Chairperson.
Endometriosis is a chronic, often debilitating disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, typically in but sometimes beyond the pelvic cavity. It can begin at first menstruation and persist through menopause. Symptoms may include severe pelvic pain, fatigue, and infertility, and may lead to depression or anxiety.
“I have dedicated my life to understanding endometriosis, a disease that affects more than 200 million women worldwide,” said Seckin. “The establishment of the Seckin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory marks a truly historic milestone—the first dedicated endometriosis research center within a premier U.S. basic science institution.
“For all the women who have suffered silently and been overlooked for far too long, we dedicate this Center to you,” Seckin continued. “My deepest gratitude to Alexis Joel for speaking so beautifully about her own experience. Thank you to Dr. Semir Beyaz, Marilyn Simons, and the entire Cold Spring Harbor team, to our EndoFound Chairperson Dr. Piraye Beim, my co-founder Padma Lakshmi, the generosity of Madeleine Rudin and our donors, and to every advocate, supporter, and patient who made this moment possible.”
The Seckin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health provides a state-of-the-art lab and additional resources for a CSHL program that seeks to uncover the biological markers of endometriosis and novel drug targets for the disease. EndoFound’s $10 million commitment is being matched for a $20 million total commitment to the establishment of the Center.
“The major goal of this Research Center is to interrogate the complex genetic and environmental determinants of endometriosis,” said CSHL Assistant Professor Semir Beyaz, who leads the endometriosis research program at CSHL. “We will investigate the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying endometriosis to develop preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.”
“This commitment is more than just a major show of support. It is truly transformative,” added Marilyn Simons, CSHL Board Chair and co-founder of the Simons Foundation. “I am confident that the studies conducted at the Center will have significant implications for women’s health. I thank EndoFound for their powerful vision and commitment, which we expect to inspire increasing support of endometriosis research and education at CSHL and across the globe.”
Written by: Lisa Cruz, Vice President, Communications | cruz@cshl.edu | 516-367-6846
About the Endometriosis Foundation of America
The Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) is the leading endometriosis organization in the United States, co-founded by internationally renowned surgeon Tamer Seckin, MD, and television host/producer/author Padma Lakshmi. As the largest non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to this disease, EndoFound works to increase recognition of endometriosis, advance advocacy, support expert surgical training, and fund groundbreaking research. Through its robust public education and medical outreach campaigns, EndoFound champions early diagnosis and effective treatment. To learn more or get involved, visit www.endofound.org.