CFS Goes to Washington

Engage, Educate and Inspire at Lobby Day!
You have a powerful story to tell, whether your own life or a loved one's has been sidelined by CFS. Be part of the group that will gather on Capitol Hill to share their stories—and action requests—with members of Congress and key staff. Learn more about participating in the CFIDS Association's 15th Annual Lobby Day on May 14-15. You can even take part in an online "preview" presentation on Thursday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m. to learn more about Lobby Day. Learn how at http://www.cfids.org/advocacy/webinar.asp

Lobby Day registration forms are due on Monday, April 16; hotel group room rates expire on the same day, so please make plans now!
See http://www.cfids.org/advocacy/lobby-day.asp

Traveling Photo Exhibit Makes a Stop in DC
The next stop for the photo exhibit will be Union Station in Washington, DC. The exhibit, "The Faces of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," will be at Union Station in the West Hall from May 20 to June 2. Union Station is not only a daily stop for commuters, it's a tourist destination that draws visitors from across the world. More than 32 million people a year, or about 80,000 a day, visit this historic landmark, making it the most visited site in Washington, DC. People come for transportation, shopping, dining and special events like the CFS photo exhibit. If you—or your friends or family—are in the greater DC area, be sure to put this on your calendars!
See http://www.cfids.org/sparkcfs/photo.asp

More News about the Public Awareness Campaign

Balancing Campaign Hopes and Expectations
The entire CFS community has waited so long for the first-ever national CFS public awareness campaign that hopes are riding high. While it's important to keep our expectations realistic, the campaign is already touching many people across the country. Marcia Harmon, the CFIDS Association's Director of Communications, shares just one of those personal and moving stories at http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/040703.asp

Exciting Preliminary Campaign Statistics
We have some early statistics regarding the national CFS public awareness campaign to share with the CFS community. Although we still have months to go before the campaign concludes, we thought you'd enjoy seeing a few statistical measures of various components, such as the public service announcements, print ads and media coverage so far. See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/040707.asp

New Novel from a Familiar Author
A novel is set to hit the streets this month from Floyd Skloot, a familiar friend of the CFS community. And the subject matter is likely to resonate with people who have a chronic illness like CFS.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/040704.asp

Welcome to the CFS Blogosphere!
Many people with CFS and Internet access are discovering weblogs (also known as blogs) as a means of sharing information and reducing isolation. Back by popular request, here's an article from the Summer 2006 CFIDS Chronicle that explores the world of CFS blogging and some of the people who've been leading the way.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/040705.asp

CFS Seminar June 9 in Houston, Texas
Save the date! On Saturday, June 9, 2007, the CFIDS Association of America will sponsor another kNOw MORE CFS seminar at the InterContinental Houston in Houston, Texas.

This half-day outreach program will feature two CFS/FM experts speaking on topics of great interest to patients, family members and health care providers. A question-and- answer forum will follow the presentations.

Watch upcoming issues of CFIDSLink for more details. Or send an e-mail with "kNOw MORE CFS" in the subject line to cfids@cfids.org, and we'll put you on our mailing list to receive a brochure in May.

Other Learning Opportunities

OFFER 2007 Conference
OFFER, the Organization for Fatigue & Fibromyalgia Education & Research, is hosting its annual conference May 4 and 5 in Salt Lake City. The event consists of a one-and-a-half-day health care professional conference and a half-day patient conference focused on advances in understanding and treating chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
See http://www.offerutah.org/Conference.html

Chronic Illness Initiative Symposium
The Chronic Illness Initiative—a program at DePaul University to help students with chronic illness get their college degrees—hosts an annual symposium where advocates, educators and students come together to participate in constructive dialogue on subjects that impact the chronically ill college student. This year's event is May 23 at DePaul University's Chicago Loop Campus. For more information e-mail CII@depaul.edu (and put “symposium” in the subject line).

CFIDS/CFS/ME Awareness Day Coming in May
People with CFS, their families and friends are encouraged to educate others about the reality and seriousness of CFS on May 12 of every year. The CFIDS Association has compiled a packet of information you can use on CFIDS/CFS/ME Awareness Day or any day of the year.

See http://www.cfids.org/advocacy/awareness-day.asp

Personal Stories: Seasoned Thoughts
This installment of "Personal Stories" features thoughts from two people who share their CFS experiences through well-established CFS weblogs, better known as blogs. Their blogs and others reflect the shared experiences of many people with CFS.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/040706.asp