The CFIDS Association of America's "Snapshots of CFIDS," features the words and portraits of seven individuals whose lives have been derailed by this tragic illness.

Following are short excerpts from three of the profiles that illustrate the wide range of individuals affected by CFIDS. To order copies of Snapshots to use in educational and advocacy efforts or to make a donation to support The Association's work to conquer CFIDS, visit our on-line store.

Barbara Brock
Evanston, Illinois

Barbara Brock, a 53-year-old registered nurse who lives in Evanston, Ill., felt her life disintegrate when unrelenting symptoms she describes as "pure hell" descended on her in the mid 1990s. 

She worked every other day to give her body and mind some reprieve and crashed on the days she endured a full shift. But by 1997, her symptoms, including profound cognitive problems, left her unable to work at all.

After a decade of illness, Barbara says she is "still hanging in." She manages her symptoms by sitting down to brush her teeth, resting after eating and not cooking since it requires too much energy. "Changing the bedding is a major task," she says. "It takes everything I have and then I have to lie down."

Megan Robinson
Medina, New York

For most 10-year-olds, fifth grade is a time spent with friends, learning and growing up, laughing in the halls, playing in gym class and socializing. For Megan Robinson of Medina, New York, fifth grade was quite different. 

Megan, who was diagnosed with CFIDS at the age of four, might make it to school for a couple of hours a day. She might make it in for one class, or, her mom says more realistically, "for 45 minutes on a good day." 

"Not many people understand what it's like to be sick all the time," says Megan. "I miss school and being involved in school activities."

Mark Peterson
Chesapeake, Virginia

In 1988, what at first seemed to be a stubborn case of the flu landed Dr. Mark Peterson, an orthodontist in his 40s, in the hospital. "I thought I would die," he says. "Light and sound hurt, and my heart would go into arrhythmias." 

At his insurance company's insistence, Mark was sent home even though he was too sick to lift his head off the pillow. He has improved, but is still a long way from returning to a normal lifestyle. A good part of his day is still spent in bed and he uses a wheelchair.

"The frustrations are overwhelming," he says. "You have to confront medical professionals not educated about the illness and friends who have a hard time believing that you have a serious medical condition."