CFIDS Association president and CEO K. Kimberly McCleary

From the Desk of Kim McCleary

December 2008

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.

There is much work still to be done, as you know. Our expanded research program promises to accelerate the search for biomarkers, diagnostics and treatments with the funding of six new research projects (see the story in this issue of the CFIDSLink). The recent election resulted in significant changes to Congress and, of course, the White House. All these lawmakers will need to be educated about CFS. And the fact that only 20% of CFS patients have been properly diagnosed points to the continued need for stronger patient and provider education initiatives.

We simply can’t let up now.

No other organization on the planet serves the CFS community in the ways that the CFIDS Association of America does. As you make your year-end giving decisions, please consider where your tax-deductible gift can do the most good. Where will it have the biggest impact on people you care about? That’s why I’m asking you to invest in the CFIDS Association’s powerful mission with a gift to our 2008 Annual Fund campaign.

In the midst of this shaky economy, I cannot stress enough how critical it is that the Association’s work, especially research, continue without interruption. The CFS community has worked too hard to gain this headway to back down now. We know that CFS patients are counting on us. The Association is already accustomed to allocating limited resources strategically to maximize the potential benefit to our stakeholders, and we’ll continue to do so.

In fact, The Association was recently given its second consecutive 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, the world’s leading independent evaluator of nonprofits. This rating—the highest possible—places it in an elite group of organizations that meet tight guidelines for fiscal management. So you can be assured we’re good stewards of your investment.

America’s economy will eventually rebound. Until it does, let’s act together to keep the quest for answers to CFS on the fast track! Only with your continued financial support can we keep up the momentum we’ve gained so far. We can make CFS history. An uncertain economy doesn’t change that imperative.

On behalf of the millions who look to the Association for hope, please accept my sincere thanks, and best wishes for the holiday season. To make a gift today to the Annual Fund, please click here.

Sincerely,
K. Kimberly McCleary
President & CEO
The CFIDS Association of America
December 10, 2008