December 2008
CFIDSLink—e-News 

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In This Issue

Research Matters
Advocacy Counts
Treatment Matters
News & Notes
You Matter

Dear Friend,

Let's face it: the nation's economic crisis is on my mind, and likely yours too. And unlike other industries, there will be no rescue package passed by Congress to make sure CFS research and education continue in these tough economic times. That means it's up to us, the community of people who care most about returning CFS patients to healthy, satisfying lives, to sustain forward progress. . [Read on: From the Desk of Kim McCleary]____________________________________________________________________________

Research Matters

Largest-Ever CFS Research Initiative Announced
The successful completion of the million-dollar research campaign is enabling the CFIDS Association to institute a revitalized research program, called the Accelerate CFS Research Initiative. A key component of the initiative is our grants program, and last week we announced details about six grants just awarded to research teams with expertise in a wide range of fields, including bioinformatics, microbiology, immunology and physics. The research we're funding covers a broad scope of investigations aimed at yielding the discovery of biomarkers and methods for early detection, objective diagnosis and effective treatment of CFS.
Get the full story >> (in PDF format)

More research stories:
Researcher Dikoma Shungu Continues Brain Studies with Association Grant
Study Explores Sleepiness and Fatigue in CFS
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Advocacy Counts

Video: Testimony from Congressional Briefing on CFS
Earlier this year the CFIDS Association, with the help of Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), hosted a congressional briefing on CFS in the Capitol building. The briefing featured an introduction by Association president & CEO Kim McCleary and presentations from Anthony Komaroff, MD, Lucinda Bateman, MD, and NPR's Scott Simon, who is a close friend of Seabiscuit author and CFS patient Laura Hillenbrand. Here are links to video segments for each of these presentations.
Get the full story >>

More advocacy stories:
Phoenix Rising Publishes Perspective on CDC Issues
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Treatment Matters

Print-and-Go Info on Managing CFS Symptoms
The CFIDS Association has worked diligently to help educate medical professionals about CFS. Here's a downloadable page from the CFS Toolkit for Health Care Professionals that you can print and take with you on your next visit to the doctor.
Get the full story >> (in PDF format)
 
More treatment stories:
Top Tips for CFS Troubles
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News & Notes

CFIDS Association Gets 4 Stars from Charity Navigator
America's premier independent charity evaluator, Charity Navigator, recently awarded the CFIDS Association its highest rating for fiscal responsibility and financial management.
Get the full story>>

IACFS/ME Conference in Reno this March
The 9th International IACFS/ME Research and Clinical Conference will be held March 12 - 15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The first day will offer presentations for patients, caregivers and family members on topics that impact them directly. The rest of the conference gathers researchers and medical professionals to discuss the latest advances in virology, genetics, pediatrics, brain functioning, epidemiology, treatment and assessment. Click here to learn more about the conference or to register.
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You Matter

Real Stories, Real Gifts
The work the CFIDS Association does is in direct proportion to the amount of support we receive from people in the CFS community--people from all walks of life who care deeply about seeing an end to this illness. Here, four people from the CFS community share their thoughts on the illness and the reasons they give to the cause.
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Do It: A Defining Moment
Screenwriter, journalist and editor Zachary Sklar--best known as co-screenwriter (with Oliver Stone) of the Oscar-nominated film JFK--has been living with CFS for many years. In this essay he describes a defining moment in his journey with the illness. It was first published in the Association's special "20 Years of Making CFS History" commemorative edition.
Get the full story >>

More personal stories:
"Dreams at Stake" by Laurel Bertrand