CFIDSLink is e-mailed monthly to all those interested. To sign up for the electronic newsletter visit http://www.cfids.org/subscribe.asp .
In this Issue
- Hurricane Katrina
- From the Desk of Kim McCleary
- Back to school resources
- Living with CFIDS: Personal Stories
- Out & About
- New research updates page
- Acupuncture effective for fibromyalgia
- Seminar speakers announced!
Hurricane Katrina
The CFIDS Association joins with others worldwide in expressing heartfelt concern for the physical and emotional welfare of all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, especially those living along the Gulf Coast who also are burdened by CFIDS. We are working with other organizations to get information about CFIDS to those delivering care and services to storm victims. For links to relief organizations, including those providing information about housing for evacuees, please visit http://www.cfids.org/about/katrina.asp.
*Please note: Donating blood may not be safe for persons with CFIDS (PWCs), as research has shown that many PWCs have low blood volume and other vascular problems, and removing additional blood could provoke a relapse. Additionally, CFIDS patients should refrain from donating blood, bone marrow or organs, as it is currently unknown whether or not the illness may be contracted in this manner. Contact your local Red Cross for additional information.
From the Desk of Kim McCleary
"When Hurricane Katrina was just a swirl on weather station tracking maps I received a letter from a woman made homeless by CFIDS two years ago..." Read on at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2005/sept-ftdo.asp.
Back to school resources
Gaining a quality education is one of the top problems for young people with CFIDS (YPWCs). To help, the CFIDS Association provides information for YPWCs and their families, school nurses, educatiors and others. For resources and other information visit http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2005/back2school.asp.
Living with CFIDS: Personal
Since her son Anthony became ill with CFIDS six years ago, Shanon McQuown has been advocating for his educational needs. In this piece, Shanon shares her insights into navigating the special education process to help other parents develop the best educational plan possible for their children with CFIDS. Visit http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2005/mcquown.asp.
Out & About
Thanks to efforts led by Annette and Harvey Whittemore, Nevada will soon be home to a state-of-the-art clinic and research center for CFS and cancer. Learn more about the center and other scheduled CFIDS meetings at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2005/out-about-S05.asp..
New research updates page
Staying informed about the latest CFIDS-related research can be a time-consuming process. This new section of the Association’s Website was created to provide you with regular research updates. Recent abstracts are available at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2005/research-updates.asp.
Acupuncture effective for fibromyalgia
As reported in Forbes Magazine, a new study suggests that a brief regimen of acupuncture appears to offer relief from some of the pain, chronic fatigue and anxiety of moderate-to-severe fibromyalgia. You can view the article at http://www.healthday.com/view.cfm?id=527595.
Seminar speakers announced!
The Association’s second "kNOw MORE" CFS Education and Empowerment Seminar will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, November 13. Featured speakers will be Dr. Nancy Klimas, well known CFIDS clinician and researcher from the University of Miami School of Medicine, and Dr. Peter Rowe of Johns Hopkins. Following their presentations, Dr. Klimas and Dr. Rowe will lead a Question and Answer forum with seminar attendees.
This half-day seminar is offered at a minimal cost to persons with CFIDS, health care professionals and anyone interested in learning more about CFIDS. Registration information will be included in the October CFIDSLink. To receive a brochure with complete details, please send an e-mail to cfids@cfids.org with the subject line "KNOW MORE" or call 704-365-2343.
