The CFIDS Support Network’s (CSN’s) ACTION Awards (Always Committed To Improving Our Network) recognizes individuals who educate and help others cope with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). It is an opportunity to honor the efforts of CSN support groups, their leaders, and others who serve the CFIDS community.

There are two types of ACTION awards. CSN ACTION Awards are presented to CSN support groups in recognition of their cumulative efforts in the areas of Advocacy, All-Around, CFIDS Awareness Day, Education, Fund-Raising, General Support, Media, Pediatric CFIDS, and Publications.

CSN Champion Awards honor those individuals who have given outstanding support on behalf of persons with CFIDS. Seven areas are recognized: Health Professional/Physician/Researcher, State Group Volunteer (PWC), State Group Volunteer (non-PWC), Local Group Volunteer (PWC), Local Group Volunteer (non-PWC), Other (e.g., national representative), and Newcomer.

The Association is pleased to announce the nominees and winners of the 2000 CSN ACTION and Champion Awards, and we congratulate each nominee and extend our heartfelt thanks.

CSN ACTION awards

All-Around Winner
CFS/FM Support Group of Dallas/Fort Worth
Leader: Carol Sieverling, Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

All-Around Honorable Mention
Greater Greensboro CFIDS/FMS  Support Group
Leader: Margaret Holt, Greensboro, N.C.

Awareness Day Winner
Citrus Heights FMS/CFIDS Support Group
Leader: Marguerite Turner, Citrus Heights, Calif.

Education Winner
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign
Orange, Calif.

Education Honorable Mention
Roseville Maidu Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain and Arthritis Support Group
Leader: Sue Alexander, Sacramento, Calif.

Fund-Raising Winner
Black Hill CFS/FMS Support Group
Leader: Alice James, Rapid City, S.D.

General Support Winner
Hayward/Tri-Cities CFIDS Support Group
Leader: Rosalee Benelli, Hayward, Calif.

Publications Winner
San Joaquin CFIDS/ME/FMS Support Network
Leader: Vivien Haynes, Woodbridge, Calif.

CSN Champion awards

Health Professional/Physician/Researcher Winner
Scott Swope, D.O.
Physician and Support Group Advisor
Springboro, Ohio

Health Professional/Physician/Researcher Honorable Mentions
Susan M. Phillips, M.D.
Physician
Kentwood, Mich.

Alan Pocinki, M.D.
Physician
Washington, D.C.

Sara Reynolds, M.D.
CFS Association of AZ Board Member
Phoenix, Ariz.

Erich D. Ryll, M.D.
Physician
Carmichael, Calif.

Local Group Volunteer (non-PWC) Winner
Pat Wiley
Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, Caregiver
Charlotte Area CFIDS Support Group
Charlotte, N.C.

Local Group Volunteer (PWC) Winner
Janice L. Pelster

Treasurer
Rocky Mountain CFIDS/FMS Association
Denver, Colo.

Local Group Volunteer (PWC) Honorable Mention
Pat Gurnick
Support Group Leader
CFIDS/Environmental Ilness/FM/Candida/Allergies Support Group
Los Angeles, Calif.

Local Group Volunteer (PWC) Nominees
Rosalee Benelli
Group Facilitator
Hayward-Tri Cities CFIDS Support Group
Hayward, Calif.

Bonnie Dewar
Support Group Member
Southwest Florida FMS/CFS Support Group
Cape Coral, Fla.

Elaine Dodson
Member of the Board of Directors
Black Hills CFS/FMS Support Group
Spearfish, S.D.

Margaret Holt
Support Group Leader and Newsletter Editor
Greensboro CFIDS/FMS Support Group
High Point, N.C.

Gwen Hull
Editor of Support Group newsletter, The Lighthouse@Volusia/Flager CFIDS/ME
Support Group
Holly Hill, Fla.

Paul E. Lambert
Support Group Leader
Windham Area CFIDS/FMS Support Group
Willimantic, Conn.

Vikki Super-Manns
Co-coordinator
Citrus Heights FMS/CFIDS Support Group
Perris, Calif.

Newcomer (new support group leader) Winner
Toni Marshall
Support Group Leader
Northern Virginia CFS Support Group
Arnold, Md.

Other Winner (attorney, government official)
Mitch Lambros
Disability Attorney
Cockeysville, Md.

Other Honorable Mention
Gail Dahlen, R.N.
President and Cofounder
Medical Professionals with CFIDS/ME, Inc.
Indianapolis, Ind.

State Group Volunteer (non-PWC) Winner
Laura Warren
New Jersey CFS Association
Pennington, N.J.

State Group Volunteer (PWC) Winner
Betty McConnell
Support Group Leader and Special Events Coordinator
Atlantic County CFS Support Group and NewJersey CFS Association
Port Republic, N.J.