In this Issue
October 2006
CFIDSLink Electronic Newsletter

In this Issue

• From the Desk of Kim McCleary
• Patent Application for CFS Diagnostic Test
• Longtime Problems with Long-Term Disability Insurance
• CFS Photo Exhibit on the Move
• Payroll Contributions Support the CFIDS Association
• Education and Empowerment in Sacramento, CA
• Get a Copy of the Science & Research of CFS
• Personal Story: Presence of Mind

From the Desk of Kim McCleary
Last month's edition of CFIDSLink honored the Grassroots Action Center champions who've used our online advocacy tool most often to reach out to legislators, policymakers and media. But quantity is only half the picture of online advocacy. It's the heartfelt stories that bring CFS into focus for those who receive the e-mails.
See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/oct-ftdo.asp

Patent Application for CFS Diagnostic Test
Doctors John Gow and Abhijit Chaudhuri of the University of Glasgow recently submitted an application to the European Patent Office describing a diagnostic tool for CFS. The test is based on genetic biomarkers involving a number of genes that are expressed at abnormal levels in CFS patients compared to unaffected individuals.
See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/application.asp

Longtime Problems with Long-Term Disability Insurance
Private long-term disability insurance falls under the Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), but the current system seems to contribute to insurance company practices of claims denial and limitation for those with chronic illnesses, including CFS. In this feature story from the summer 2006 issue of the CFIDS Chronicle, a reform proponent outlines the problems.
See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/ltd.pdf

CFS Photo Exhibit on the Move
The traveling photo exhibit, "The Faces of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome," heads west this month to educate the general public and health care professionals about CFS. Here's a rundown of its next four destinations. See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/pac4.asp

Payroll Contributions Support the CFIDS Association
Support the CFIDS Association through the Combined Federal Campaign! Federal employees and military personnel have the opportunity to support efforts to end CFS by making direct payroll contributions to the CFIDS Association through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC #2515). The 2006 CFC pledge season began in September and continues through November 30. Your support makes a difference in the fight against CFS! Talk to your payroll officer today.

Education and Empowerment in Sacramento, CA
The CFIDS Association is bringing recognized CFS authorities Dr. Leonard Jason and Dr. Charles Lapp to Sacramento, California, October 28 to share their expertise on the subject. It's all part of the Association's Education and Empowerment series called kNOw MORE CFS.
See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/sacramento.asp

Get a Copy of the Science & Research of CFS
The special double issue of the CFIDS Chronicle, the Science & Research of CFS, has proven popular and valuable to the hundreds of people who've ordered it since it was published earlier this year. Topics include best treatment practices, the brain, sleep dysfunction, research developments, etiology, epidemiology, the immune system, pediatric CFS, overlapping conditions and much more. Supplies are limited, but it's not too late to order a copy for yourself, your family members or your doctor. Call the Resource Line at 704-365-2343 or visit http://www.cfids.org/special/default.asp

Personal Story: Presence of Mind
Andrew Mosmiller, a 29-year-old with a passion for music, nature and politics, has been detailing his experiences with CFS on his family blog site, The Mosmillers. Here he talks about one aspect of life he finds greatly depleted by CFS.
See http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/2006/mosmiller.asp