EndoFound is the Endometriosis Foundation of America; a nonprofit that advances earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and stronger awareness for people living with endometriosis.
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, yet remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed medical conditions. More than just a gynecological issue, endometriosis represents a broader failure to recognize and prioritize women’s health. Against this silence, a powerful voice emerged: the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound).
More than just raising awareness, Endofound is transforming science, education, and policy in the fight against endometriosis.
In this detailed blog post, we will explain the founding story of EndoFound, its contributions to public health, and Dr.Seckin’s historic $20 million donation to medical research.
Origins of EndoFound
Dr. Seckin is a pioneer in the field of endometriosis with over 30 years of experience. He is an internationally renowned advanced laparoscopic surgeon and endometriosis excision specialist.
Padma Lakshmi is the creator and host of the popular Hulu series Taste the Nation. She is an Emmy-nominated producer, food expert, and a New York Times bestselling author. Padma had to live with endometriosis for 23 years before getting a confirmed diagnosis in 2006. She was one of the first celebrities to raise awareness about endometriosis.
EndoFound has come a long way from its humble beginnings over a decade ago to bringing about a revolution in endometriosis awareness and legislation. Today, it continues to be the voice of many women whose agonies have been unheard and unrecognized.
Activities of EndoFound
EndoFound’s activities span the public and policymakers. The organization supports many advocacy initiatives to bring the attention of Congress to this debilitating disease.
Change in the law
The two-year advocacy initiative with the New York State in 2019 resulted in the first US law that made endometriosis and menstrual health literature accessible to school districts and healthcare professionals in the State. The organization is now pushing for a similar implementation in other states as well.
Endo EduKit
Although largely undiagnosed, endometriosis can occur in adolescents as well. EndoFound launched the Endo EduKit in 2016.
The Congressional Educational Caucus
EndoFound worked with the bipartisan Congressional Educational Caucus (CEC) in 2020 to raise awareness about endometriosis. This resulted in a historic doubling of research funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The amendment was possible due to the efforts of former Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer, who also had endometriosis herself since age 31.
The UpEndo Coalition
Recognizing the importance of dialogue between the public and policymakers, EndoFound launched the UpEndo Coalition in 2022. The UpEndo Coalition supports the CEC in its goals of advocacy and increasing funding through appropriations, policy changes, and White House engagement.
Endometriosis CARE Act
EndoFound also worked on the 2022 Bipartisan Endometriosis CARE Act, which was recently introduced. This was supported by House Endometriosis Caucus and Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Jenniffer González-Colón (PR-At Large), and Alma Adams (NC-12). The legislation would fund investments needed to advance endometriosis research and promote public awareness about the disease and its treatment.
A Historic Investment in Research: Cold Spring Harbor Collaboration
In a groundbreaking step for women’s health, renowned endometriosis surgeon and co-founder of the Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound), Dr. Tamer Seckin, has made a $10 million donation to support advanced research in endometriosis. This unprecedented contribution is not only a financial investment but also a bold statement: women’s health matters, and the time for silence around endometriosis is over.
This generous gift has been allocated to establish the Seckin Endometriosis Research Center for Women’s Health at the prestigious Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in New York, a globally recognized leader in biomedical science.
Public initiatives of EndoFound
EndoFound provides a platform for the public to directly interact with clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and policymakers.
The UpEndo Citizen Advocacy Coalition Briefing
The UpEndo Citizen Advocacy Coalition Briefing in 2022 carried on from Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer’s work. It underscored the importance of citizen participation in motivating Congress. The briefing highlighted the importance of self-advocacy and the need to reach out to lawmakers proactively.
The Blossom Ball
EndoFound also hosts the annual Blossom Ball. This is a fund-raiser night to celebrate and recognize those who have worked very hard for disseminating endometriosis knowledge.
Dr. Seckin and EndoFound.org: A Powerful Partnership
Dr. Seckin is not only a co-founder of EndoFound. He remains a hands-on leader, educator, and medical advisor to the foundation to this day.
He plays a central role in organizing medical conferences, patient panels, and training seminars supported by the foundation.
Why EndoFound Matters
Because endometriosis is not just a medical condition, it’s a global health crisis affecting one in ten women of reproductive age. Despite its prevalence, it remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underfunded.
EndoFound is changing this by combining education, research, advocacy, and visibility. It is giving voice to the voiceless, transforming pain into power, and reshaping how society understands and responds to women’s health.
Research initiatives of EndoFound
One of EndoFound’s primary objectives is to advance endometriosis research to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. EndoFound’s Research Grants program has supported over $1 million in research initiatives.
EndoFound funding also helps researchers and young scientists to initiate their own projects. You can contribute to EndoFound’s research initiatives if you wish.
Get a Second Opinion
Our endometriosis specialists are dedicated to providing patients with expert care. Whether you have been diagnosed or are looking to find a doctor, they are ready to help.Our office is located on 872 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10065.
You may call us at (646) 960-3080 or have your case reviewed by clicking here.
Dr. Seckin is an endometriosis specialist and women’s reproductive health advocate. He has been in private practice for over 30 years at Lenox Hill Hospital with a team of highly skilled personnel.
Dr. Seckin specializes in advanced laparoscopic procedures and is recognized for his expertise in complex cases of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the pelvis. He is particularly dedicated to performing fertility-preserving surgeries on cases involving the ovaries.
He has developed patented surgical techniques, most notably the “Aqua Blue Excision” technique for a better visualization of endometriosis lesions. His surgical techniques are based on precision and microsurgery, emphasizing organ and fertility preservation, and adhesion and pain prevention.
Dr. Seckin is considered a pioneer and advocate in the field of endometriosis.