Endometriosis Research Center Announces Scholarship Winner

The Endometriosis Research Center is pleased to announce that Mary Zipperer of Wisconsin has been selected as the winner of the ERC Nancy Petersen, RN Nursing Scholarship for the 2007-2008 academic year. The award, created in recognition of the ERC's 10th anniversary and Endometriosis Awareness Month, honors the decades of effort “Nurse Nancy” has contributed to the global Endometriosis Community. “Ms. Zipperer was chosen as the sole recipient of our award based not only on her stellar academic performance, but for also embodying the spirit of the award and striving to make a positive

difference in the Endometriosis community. It is our privilege to award this merit-based scholarship to such a deserving candidate,” said Michelle E. Marvel, Founder & Executive Director.

Ms. Zipperer, who suffers from Endometriosis herself, has worked hard to overcome the disease in order to help others. “My goals are first to complete my nursing degree. Secondly, to be a contact person for Endometriosis education. My personal experiences show how disabling Endometriosis can be. I want to share my experiences with other women and girls so that they, too, can have an optimistic outlook as they deal with this disease,” said Mary. She believes so strongly in the cause that she left her lucrative corporate profession to become a Registered Nurse. Ultimately, she hopes to work primarily with Endometriosis patients in order to help women and girls become educated about the illness and obtain the best care they can. “When I was diagnosed with Endometriosis, none of the nurses within the clinic knew anything about the disease, or very little. They even commented 'it's just like bad cramps'. They were unable to help me with any of my questions. Their lack of knowledge has driven me to become a well-versed resource in Endometriosis, and I want to be the resource that makes a difference in the care the Endometriosis patient receives,” said Ms. Zipperer, who also selflessly volunteers as an EMT and First Responder in her community. “I am humbled to be the recipient of this first-time scholarship,” she said. “Nancy Peterson has done so much for the Endometriosis community.”

Nancy Petersen, RN is an ERC Advisor with over 45 years of achievement in nursing and women's health. She is globally renowned for her pioneering efforts in Endometriosis education, awareness and patient support, and implemented the country's first treatment program to feature Laparoscopic Excision. Her work has paved the way to improved care and empowered countless patients to live well in spite of the disease. Named in her honor, the award is intended to help a deserving student pursue their career in the reproductive health or other Endometriosis-related field.