• From the Desk of Kim McCleary
• Neurobiological Differences Found in CFS
• IACFS Conference Covers Wealth of Information
• Photo Exhibit Makes Two More Stops
• CFS Seminar in New Jersey March 10
• Chemically Sensitive Product Alternatives
• Name Change Information
• "Will Away" CFS
• Personal Story: Postcard from the Edge
• Bulletin Board Notices

From the Desk of Kim McCleary

The CFIDS Association President and CEO shares her front-row perspective on the recent IACFS conference and how it signaled a convergence of international science on the illness.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/feb-ftdo.asp

Neurobiological Differences Found in CFS

A study of neurochemicals in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid is shedding light on neurometabolic activity in CFS and how it differs from neuropsychiatric disorders that have symptoms that overlap CFS.

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

IACFS Conference Covers Wealth of Information

This year's IACFS conference featured more presentations, broader international participation and more people in attendance than ever before. Here's a recap of what happened during the five days full of presentations and interesting findings.

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

Photo Exhibit Makes Two More Stops

The traveling photo exhibit, "The Faces of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, at SouthPark Mall from February 8-11. Then it will move to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Jersey from March 9-12 and on to Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey, from March 15-18.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/pac3.asp

CFS Seminar in New Jersey March 10

Until there is no more CFS, it's vitally important for patients, caregivers and clinicians to know more about this illness. The need for this kind of in-depth CFS education is why the CFIDS Association is bringing CFS experts Dr. Nancy Klimas and Dr. Alan Pocinki to New Brunswick, New Jersey, on March 10 to share their expertise. It's all part of the Association's kNOw MORE CFS seminar series, hosted in collaboration with the New Jersey CFS Association.

Seminar participants will also have the opportunity to view the traveling "Faces of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" photo exhibit and hear from CFIDS Association president Kimberly McCleary and two photo exhibit participants, Jacqueline Niederle and Brian Bernard.

See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2007/ee1.asp

Chemically Sensitive Product Alternatives

If you suffer from multiple chemical sensitivities or just want to explore the use of nontoxic cleaning alternatives, here's a list of recipes for homemade cleaning supplies, tips for cleaning and some places to buy natural cleaning products.

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

Name Change Information

A CFS Name Change Advisory Board convened by ProHealth founder Rich Carson met in Florida on January 12 and reached a consensus agreement that a new name should be adopted for chronic fatigue syndrome. The group has proposed ME/CFS (or CFS/ME) as an alternative to CFS. Read the statement released by ProHealth on February 4 at http://www.immunesupport.com/ep/EP020407/ .

"Will Away" CFS

Including the CFIDS Association in your will through a bequest is a meaningful way to express your commitment to ending CFS and to benefit the fight against it. And it's easy to accomplish.

You can name the Association as the beneficiary of a percentage of your estate, of a set dollar amount or of a particular asset such as marketable securities or retirement accounts. Your estate is entitled to an estate tax deduction for the full value of your bequest. If you wish to benefit the Association through your will, your attorney will discuss with you the best way to realize your goal. For more information on planned giving options, visit http://www.cfids.org/support/donations-plannedgiving.asp or contact us at development@cfids.org or 704-364-0466.

Personal Story: Postcard from the Edge

Everyone with CFS suffers from its devastating effects. But some people find themselves severely ill, financially destitute and without meaningful assistance from friends, family or society at large. Longtime CFS sufferer Gina Kerner shares her first-hand perspective of these lives in dire straits.

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

Bulletin Board Notices

Visit http://www.cfids.org/community/bulletin-board.asp for up-to-date news and happenings within the CFIDS community.