Get your own Free Home Page
On May 12, throughout the world, thousands of seriously ill people, and those who care for and love
them, will be working to inform the public and encourage governmental support and research for the mysterious
disease that plagues them. For years, their symptoms have been attributed to “Yuppie flu,” depression, stress, or
hysteria (it’s all in your head). Only recently, through the grass-roots efforts of sufferers and the support of a
few dedicated physicians has there been any accurate information or treatment available.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a serious, complex and debilitating illness. Far more than simple
fatigue, it affects many different body systems. In addition to severe and disabling fatigue, people with CFS
(PWCs) experience problems with concentration and memory, flu-like symptoms, joints and muscle pain, sleep
disorders and many other symptoms. The only available treatment is aimed solely at symptom relief.
CFS strikes women, men and children of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Since accurate
diagnosis of this illness is difficult, and many physicians deny it even exists, estimates of the number of people
suffering from CFS vary greatly, ranging from 200,000 to 6 million cases in the U.S. alone. It is becoming one
of the most common chronic illnesses of our time. (CFIDS Association of America)
CFS is also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and, outside of the
U.S. as Myalgic Encephalitis (ME). Despite a significant lack of governmental support, a few dedicated
researchers are working toward identifying the cause of CFS and developing a reliable diagnostic test for it.
PWCs often struggle with a lack of understanding about their illness from friends, family and healthcare
professionals. Condy Eckerle, a PWC since 1985, said, “We are used to being discriminated against in matters of
disability and insurance, we are used to being disbelieved and publicly ridiculed by doctors and others, we are
used to being in agony and yet deprived of treatment -- we are used to seeing other sick people get all of these
things while we get none of them. In a time when medical miracles are commonplace - we stand outside the
realm of medical treatment simply because of prejudice...and we’ve learned to expect that as if it were ordinary.”
May 12th has been declared as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Awareness Day. In Washington, D.C. PWCs
will gather together in an attempt to bring awareness to those in a position to help. A few will be there standing
on their own two feet. Many more will be sitting in lawn chairs or wheelchairs, too exhausted to stand or walk.
A few will be there, carried by supporters, on stretchers. They are unable to even sit up for any length of time.
All across the country, PWCs are speaking up, telling their stories, bringing awareness of this dreaded
disease to the American public. They are tired of being ignored and discriminated against. They want their
stories to be told, their voices to be heard. But more than anything, they want the miracle of a cure. They want
to be well.
Back to CFS page
Get your own Free Home Page