Wisconsin CFS Association

The Wisconsin CFS Association is one of the oldest and most active state organizations for ME-CFS in the United States. The organization publishes a quarterly newsletter, Lifeline, and educates the public and the medical community about CFS/ME. Last fall the Wisconsin CFS Association hosted the international research and clinical conferences sponsored by the American Association for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (AACFS), and supplemented the program with showcases for artistic expression and talent by members of the CFIDS community, including an extensive art exhibit and an evening of performances, the “Art & Soul Music Café.” 

The Wisconsin CFS Association has set about to establish a medical clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with unexplained neurological and autoimmune disease. Through a separate organization formed to raise funds for the clinic, PANDA (Patient Alliance for Neurological Disorders Assistance), Pat Fero, Executive Director and the Wisconsin Board of Directors has generated enthusiasm and support for this vision. Over the past year, PANDA built a house in Sun Prairie with sponsorship from ERA Kraus and volunteer help and product donations from more than 40 individuals and corporations. The completed home was recently sold at a $65,000 profit, the proceeds of which will go toward the medical clinic. The success of this ambitious project is just one example of Pat’s creativity and ability to mobilize people.

This summer, Pat’s family suffered a terrible tragedy when her son, Casey, died suddenly of complications due to CFS on July 4. The story of his passing was shared at the September 12, 2005 meeting of the federal CFS Advisory Committee by advocate Mary Schweitzer with Pat’s consent. Mary’s heartfelt delivery called attention to the life-threatening seriousness that CFS poses and the urgent need for more research and better care for CFS patients. In Casey’s memory, the Fero family, Wisconsin CFS Association and Mothers Against M.E. (MAME) are creating the first national universal-access blood and tissue bankfor CFS. The bank will be established with the assistance of the Institute for Viral Pathogenesis, a Milwaukee medical laboratory, under federal guidelines for collection and storage of samples.

The CFIDS Association salutes Pat Fero for her many years of steadfast dedication to the CFIDS community and for her courageous leadership. Pat and her family will remain in our thoughts as they cope with the loss of Casey. The family has requested that memorial gifts in support of the blood and tissue bank be sent to Casey’s Fund, c/o Wisconsin CFS Association, 747 Lois Drive, Sun Prairie, WI  53590. Donations can also be made online at http://www.wicfs-me.org/. All monies donated in Casey’s memory will support the blood and tissue bank. Casey, Pat and Bruce wish to extend their thanks to all who support this important project.