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Winter 2003  

Lobby Day Rescheduled for Autumn

Advocates from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C., on Sept.17–18 for The CFIDS Association’s 12th annual Lobby Day event. The event has been moved from March to the fall because of reports that Congress is unlikely to finalize its subcommittee structure until late February and will not tackle key health care spending bills until later in the year.

Because of these anticipated delays, the Association and its lobbying firm, The Sheridan Group, have decided to hold Lobby Day after Congress returns from its summer recess and starts to focus on writing legislation to fund federal health programs for 2004.

Hopefully the September dates will also free us from weather-related issues associated with March dates (possible cold and snow) or summer dates (certain heat and humidity) that impose an extra barrier for many CFIDS patients.

Over the past few years, the event has drawn 70–80 participants, including people with CFIDS, family members and friends. Most participants report being energized by the opportunity to engage members of Congress about the pressing needs of those with CFIDS, even though it can take a physical toll on patient-advocates.

A training session and event veterans help newcomers become comfortable with both the message and its delivery.

The more advocates we have participate, the greater our impact. There’s plenty of time to register, so consider joining us in the capital this fall. For more information, call

704-365-2343, or send an e-mail message to lobbyday03@cfids.org.