HYPEREMESIS EDUCATION & RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The HER Foundation’s mission is to advance hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) research and policy initiatives, and provide education and support to those seeking effective management strategies for hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). The HER Foundation is the voice of support and hope to all who are faced with managing HG. *HG is severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy that can be life-threatening and cause dehydration, malnutrition and other complications for mother and child.

The HER Foundation partners with leading universities for research and app development and has a highly educated Board of Directors that guides its work. HER creates tools and resources to educate both families and health professionals, speaks and exhibits at obstetrical conferences, and engages with organizations to develop policies and resources that improve the care of women with HG around the world. HER also personally supports tens of thousands of families each year across the globe on social media platforms and direct support. Additionally HER volunteers offer personal support as well.

The HER Foundation partners with leading universities for research and app development and has a highly educated Board of Directors with expertise and HG experience that guides its work. All are professionals in a scientific, business or technology industry, and several have corporate or university affiliations that support the foundation in some way. With these universities, HER has helped identify the first genes associated with the cause of HG. HER also has several hundred volunteers across the globe that provide emotional support of families facing HG. HER has a staff of 2, plus its founders and Board Members that are actively involved. The Executive Director co-founded the organization and has been a director since the Foundation started as a website in 2000. She has been a registered nurse for over 30 years and survived 2 HG pregnancies. She has worked with Dr. Marlena Fejzo, a Harvard-trained geneticist and leading HG scientist, for 20 years on HG research. Dr. Aimee Brecht-Doscher, a board-certified OBGYN in Los Angeles, is one of HER's medical advisors and actively involved in developing resources and offering support. Several leadership, staff, volunteers, and Board Members have been working with the HER Foundation for 10+ years. This has built enormous expertise and consistency that gives HER an excellent reputation for credibility and makes HER the leading source for HG information and resources.

Since 2000, HER has helped reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, as well as fetal loss and adverse child outcomes through education, support, and innovative resources that improve maternal healthcare. HER has personally supported and consulted with many thousands of HG patients across the globe. In partnership with UCLA and USC, HER has conducted genetic studies identifying causes of HG, and published many studies on the impact and outcomes associated with HG.

Accomplishments:
- Termination rate decreased from 15% to 6% with support and resources.
- Over 40 published papers providing groundbreaking findings such as causes, impact and treatments.
- Education of health professionals at multiple obstetrical, health and genetics conferences.
- Over 2 million website visitors accessing innovative HG resources.
- Collaboration with HHS and Texas HHS on HG strategies; congressional briefing.
- Development and distribution of assessment and treatment tools for medical professionals.
- Launch of free HG Care app with UCLA mHealth.
- Documentary on HG to increase awareness started.