Profiles

Most people will not become interested or active in efforts surrounding a medical condition until they can imagine what it would be like to have it. Profiles about life with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are important because they give those unfamiliar with the illness an accurate picture of the toll it takes on individual lives.

Sharing personal stories also gives patients a voice. Award-winning author and person with CFIDS (PWC) Floyd Skloot says, "Some of us have been silent because of the hopelessness of overcoming both symptoms and perceptions… We need to share our experience, to say what it is like to be a PWC. The act of communication serves both speaker and hearer."

Many PWCs, including several well-known celebrities with CFS, have spoken out about their experiences in order to advance knowledge and understanding of the illness.

The CFIDS Association of America gives PWCs from all walks of life a chance to share stories and coping tips in the CFIDS Chronicle, a quarterly magazine for the patient community.

The Association’s e-newsletter, CFIDSLink, shares personal profiles written by people personally affected by CFS. Archived issues are available here — to receive CFIDSLink via email click here.