February 2009
CFIDSLink—e-News 

Back to 2009 Listing

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
Advocacy Counts
Treatment Matters
News & Notes
You Matter

Dear friend,
Two weeks ago our nation celebrated the inauguration of America's 44th president. During his historic speech, President Barack Obama addressed the role of government in serving the American people. His words echo in my head as we look to the year ahead in our public policy work... Read on "From the Desk of Kim McCleary"

Research Matters

Association-Funded Investigators Gather to Launch First CFS Network
On January 19-20, the six research teams funded by the Association (see Dec. 3, 2008 press release) met in Charlotte. This meeting launched the first formal CFS research network; the network will be coordinated by the Association's scientific director, Dr. Suzanne Vernon.
Learn more about what took place...>>

PLoS Computational Biology Highlights CFS Study
The January 23, 2009 edition of this prestigious open-access journal includes an article by researchers Amos Ben-Zvi, Suzanne Vernon (the Association's scientific director) and Gordon Broderick based on mathematical modeling that proposes a "push" of the HPA axis in CFS may have therapeutic effects. Editors featured this study in the Public Library of Science's weekly press release. Read "Recalibrating Fight or Flight" at http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-01/plos-ro012109.php You can also hear Dr. Broderick on a recent radio interview with Canadian public radio about his study recently funded by the CFIDS Association at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2009/borderick-radio.mp3.
*Please note the audio file may take a few minutes to load on your computer before it begins playing.

Science '09 Chronicle Issue Soon to be Mailed
For each of the past few winter issues, the Chronicle has focused on the most current news in CFS research. Association members will be receiving their copies of the combined fall 2008/winter 2009 Chronicle in mid-February. Reserve your copy now online. Orders received by February 28, 2009 will also include a free copy of Defining Moments: 20 Years of Making CFS History.

Advocacy Counts

Winter 2009 DC Dispatch Preview
What's next in our advocacy work? Here's a recap of recent events in our public policy program as well as a forecast of what's ahead for 2009, a preprint from the latest Chronicle, due out soon.
Check it out >> (in PDF format)

Write to President Obama
President Barack Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history. Help impress upon him the impact of CFS on your life by sending a brief message using the online form at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

Treatment Matters

The Biology of Sleep: Part 2 of 3
Why do we sleep and what does it do for the body? Learn about the role sleep plays in refreshing our brains and regulating our hormones - and how the lack of sleep can affect the process.
Get the full story >> (in PDF format)

News & Notes

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 offers presentations for patients, caregivers and family members. The rest of the conference is geared to researchers and medical professionals. Click here to learn more about the conference or to register.

"Faces of CFS" Exhibit Back on the Road
This popular display has been seen in 37 public and provider venues since the Spark! public awareness campaign began in late 2006. It's traveling again and will next be in Reno, Nevada, to coincide with the international patient and research conference. Check out the latest schedule.

You Matter

Getting to Know You
Your interests and preferences matter to us. We want the CFIDSLink to provide you with content that interests you most. Please complete the first in our series of quick 10-item online surveys so we can learn more about how you use CFIDSLink.
Go to the survey >>

Meet Nan Socolow
Nan is 70 years old and her 25-year journey with CFS has carried her to a new landscape - physically, literally and philosophically. Here's her "Bad News, Good News" story from the summer '08 Chronicle.
Read more >> (in PDF format)