April 2009
CFIDSLink—e-News 

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CFIDSLink is e-mailed monthly free of charge to all those interested. Click here to sign up for this electronic newsletter.

In This Issue

From the CEO
Research Matters
Treatment Matters
You Matter
News & Notes

Dear friend,
For 22 years, the CFIDS Association of America has been at the leading edge of CFS research, policy and education. Inspired by the courage and passion of volunteers and fueled by gifts small and large from supporters committed to a vision of a world without CFS, the Association has adapted to new challenges and opportunities while remaining true to its roots.
From the desk of Kim McCleary...>>

Research Matters

Wrap-Up from Reno: IACFS/ME Conference Reports
The 9th international Research & Clinical Conference was hosted in Reno, Nevada, by the International Association for CFS/ME March 12-15. People from 17 countries gathered to hear the latest studies from research groups around the world.

Conference overview article>>
Daily reports and other conference-related links>>

Dr. Suzanne Vernon Honored for Research Excellence!
The Association's Scientific Director, Suzanne D. Vernon, PhD, received an award at the 9th international research conference in Reno, Nevada. Dr. Vernon was humbled by the award, "CFS is a public health crisis but it will not get the respect and research dollars the CFS community deserves until we - the research community - learn how to put egos aside and work together to generate the kind of evidence-based research that is required in order to have policy makers understand the magnitude of the problem at hand. Read her full speech and view our Facebook page for event photos.

Meet 2 More of the 6 Association-Funded Researchers
The CFIDS Association of America is funding six new research projects with grants totaling $647,940. We invite you to learn more about the projects being led by Dr. Kathleen Light of the University of Utah and Dr. Sanjay Shukla at the Marshfield Clinic.

Meet Kathleen Light>> (in PDF format)
Meet Sanjay Shukla>> (in PDF format)
More information about the Association's Accelerate CFS Research Initiative>>

Treatment Matters

The Biology of Sleep: Part 3 of 3
This three-part series has explored what sleep does for our bodies. In this final installment, learn about the role sleep plays in fighting off illness.
Get the full story>>

Visit http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2008/060404.asp to find Parts 1 and 2 of the sleep series, plus an overview of the topic>>

Read the summary from the Reno conference for more information about treatment>> 

You Matter

"What CFS Gave to Me"
Through the Association's Facebook profile, CFS patients from around the world are making connections. Meet Yoko Mitamura of Japan, who tells her CFS story in English (with help from friend Hidehito) and Japanese.
Read on...>>

Second Reader Survey: Discerning, But Passionate About Research
In the second of our series of Link reader surveys, 866 of you confirmed what we thought we'd hear about what interests you most, but there were also surprises.
Read our summary here>>

Tell Us More!
Please participate in the third of our series of 10-item reader surveys. One response permitted per computer; survey closes on April 30.
Just follow this link>>

Next month we'll launch the first in our series of research surveys; 98% of our reader respondents told us they'd participate.

News & Notes

"Ask Dr. DeSilva" Audio File Available
CEO Kim McCleary and Scientific Director Suzanne Vernon, PhD, were recent guests on Dr. Derrick DeSilva's live one-hour radio program, heard nationally on the Health Radio Network. You can listen to the March 5 broadcast by following this link>> http://www.healthradio.net/

Chronic Illness Initiative Symposium: Chicago, April 28
"After Graduation: Creating Opportunities for Employment, Education, and Community and Family Involvement" will be presented at the Chicago Lincoln Park Campus of DePaul University. For more information, visit>>

Find Us On Facebook!
So far, 644 fans have found us on the social networking site, generating a positive sense of community and sharing.
Learn more about how to find us on Facebook>>

"Faces" Exhibit On Its Way to St. Louis!
The "Faces of CFS" traveling portrait exhibit will be in St. Louis Mills mall this month. See it there April 23-26. View the complete venue schedule here>>