Out and About 

CFIDS patients interested in participating in research studies are invited to visit http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/clinical-trials.asp to learn more about opportunities to help advance scientific understanding about CFIDS.

The deadline for submitting abstracts for the Seventh International AACFS Conference on chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and related illnesses has been extended until June 15, 2004. The conference will be hosted by the Wisconsin CFS Association, with CMEs provided by the Wisconsin Medical Society. It will take place October 8-10, 2004 in Madison at the AlliantEnergyCenter. Visit  http://www.aacfs.org/ for more information.

Zeitgeist Films has recently released Kim A. Snyder's award-winning CFIDS documentary, "I REMEMBER ME" on DVD. Zeitgeist is offering the DVD at a special price to members of The CFIDS Association. Visit http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/irm.asp to order your copy today.

The CFIDS Association exhibits at numerous national and regional medical conferences as part of its CDC-sponsored activities to educate health care professionals about the diagnosis and management of CFIDS. Over the past two months, the Association has interacted with providers at the following meetings:

• April 17:New Jersey CFS Association at RobertWoodJohnsonHospital in New Brunswick
• April 20-25: AmericanCollege of Physicians in New Orleans
• April 30 – May 1: New Jersey Medical Association in Atlantic City
• May 4-6: Society for Public Health Education in Orlando
• May 14-15: Intermountain Health Care Salt Lake Valley Hospitals and the Organization for Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Education and Research (OFFER) conference in Salt Lake City, Utah
• May 20-23: American Occupational Therapy Association in Minneapolis
• June 1-2: AmericanAcademy of Physician Assistants, Las Vegas

We will exhibit at the following upcoming conferences:

• June 30-July 3: American Physical Therapy Association, Chicago
• July 27-31: Georgia Physician Assistants Association, Destin
• July 28-Aug. 1: American Psychological Association, Honolulu

CFIDS conferences held on May 14 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Pompano Beach, Fla., attracted hundreds of participants and provided up-to-date information on research and treatment to patients and their loved ones, healthcare professionals and the media. The Utah conference, sponsored by Intermountain Health Care Salt Lake Valley Hospitals and the Organization for Fatigue and Fibromyalgia Education and Research (OFFER), dedicated one day to medical providers and a second day to patients. Jamie Davis, Director of Development for the CFIDS Association of America, attended both days and commended the organizers and presenters for hosting such an informative program. “I was very impressed that over 130 doctors turned out for the program and with their interest in providing better care for their CFIDS patients. The patient program, with over 300 participants, addressed topics PWCs care about most -- treatment, disability and credible research. Congratulations to Dr. Lucinda Bateman for organizing this successful event.”

Marly McKibben, Dr. Bruce Hofmann-motivational speaker, Susie Levan- Publisher-Balance Magazine.

Marly McKibben, founder of P.A.N.D.O.R.A., organized the Florida conference to raise awareness and educate patients and others about CFIDS and fibromyalgia. Dr. Nancy Klimas of University of Miami (shown left) gave the keynote address and was joined on the program by other experts in CFIDS and fibromyalgia and a motivational speaker. Approximately 135 attended.  P.A.N.D.O.R.A. recognized a number of volunteers with the “Sand Castle Awards” and thanked media professionals for their positive coverage with the “Best Friend Awards.”

Marly offers this perspective on the day, “We were thrilled that in one day we enhanced knowledge, changed perceptions and empowered the Neuroendocrineimmune Disorders community to take charge of their treatment and well being. More importantly, because of the caliber of our speakers, participants left with the knowledge that they can be and are part of the solution process. I am proud of what we were able to accomplish!”