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Spring 2002

Association News
Activities and opportunities from The CFIDS Association of America

Estate donation biggest in Association history
The CFIDS Association of America has received an estate gift of more than $300,000 - the largest single donation of any kind in the organization's history.

The gift was made by Elena DeTimofeev of San Francisco. Ms. DeTimofeev, a person with CFIDS, died early last year. In her will, she specified that all proceeds from her estate, after taxes, expenses and bequests to family members, be given to the Association. The Association received the funds in March of this year.

The donor requested that the funds be used where most needed.

"The Association is grateful for this tremendous gift," said Jamie Davis, director of development and chief operating officer. "It will add strength to vital programs and touch the lives of people with CFIDS for years to come."

Davis said bequests give donors a chance to make a difference in the fight to conquer CFIDS. "The essence of planned giving isn't about tax benefits, important as they may be, but about people and their desire to shape the future of a cause they care about," she said.

Web site keeps growing
The Association's Web site, www.cfids.org, continues to expand its offerings to members, medical professionals and the general public. The latest additions include:

• Conferences and meetings. Patient conferences on CFIDS and related disorders, medical meetings and other events are now listed under the "Resources" tab on the home page. The meetings are listed by state, and are updated regularly.
• Research and trials. The Association will fund more than $276,000 in new CFIDS studies in 2002. Details and updates are available by clicking on the "About CFIDS" tab. This section also includes information about diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of CFIDS.
• Continuing education for providers. Doctors and other health care providers can gain continuing education (CE) credits by studying a new CFIDS-based curriculum (see below).

CFIDS self-study manual available
The Association's provider education program, which has already reached hundreds of medical professionals with information about diagnosing and treating CFIDS, has become even more accessible with the addition of a self-study manual. The print manual gives a basic overview of the illness, case study reviews, a bibliography and medical articles. Medical professionals can earn continuing education credits by completing the CFIDS self-study program and a brief test. Providers who would like to order a copy of the manual can contact the Association's Resource Line at 704-365-2343 or e-mail meded@cfids.org. More information is available online at www.cfids.org/profresources/provider-edu-project-update.asp .

Davis promoted
Jamie L. Davis, a valuable member of the Association's staff since 1995, has been promoted to chief operating officer. She will continue to lead the Association's development efforts, and will share responsibility for shaping Association programs and activities with President & CEO Kim Kenney. "Jamie has demonstrated her commitment to the Association's mission and has used her diverse talents in managing numerous key initiatives over the past seven years," Kenney said. "The entire organization is made stronger by having her in a more global leadership role."