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In this Issue

• From the Desk of Kim McCleary
• Research Matters
       CFS Prevalence Figures Explained 
       Fibromyalgia Treatments and Findings    
• CFS Advocates Turn Out for Town Hall Meetings
• Photo Exhibit Heads West this Month
• Educating the Medical Community
• People Making History: Part 2
• Reserve Your Copy of “Defining Moments”
• CFS Experts Coming to Denver October 13
• Check the Mail for Your Chance to Make History
• Personal Stories: A Mother’s Story
• Local Events Page

From the Desk of Kim McCleary
How Doctors Think
Association President & CEO Kim McCleary shares some valuable insight she gained from a new book by Dr. Jerome Groopman, called How Doctors Think. She outlines how he might help you understand how to find the right doctor and how to get the most from the doctor you see.
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Research Matters

CFS Prevalence Figures Explained
A recent study by the CDC suggests that as many as four million Americans may have CFS, but some people in the CFS community have raised questions about the study’s methods and results. Here’s a closer look at how it all sorts out.
Get the full story >>

Fibromyalgia Treatments and Findings
Lyrica (pregabalin) is now FDA approved to treat Fibromyalgia (FM), and other FM drug trials are under way. Here’s a recap of recent news in FM treatment and science.
Get the full story >>

CFS Advocates Turn Out for Town Hall Meetings
Last month we gave you some pointers and tools to use when your members of Congress return to their states and districts. In the weeks that followed, many of you used those tools to make your requests heard. Here’s what a few of you told us about the experience.
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Photo Exhibit Heads West this Month
“The Faces of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” traveling photo exhibit is heading to Los Angeles, and Dallas,(Texas) this month. As a result, media coverage of CFS is already on the rise in those areas.
Get the full story >>

Educating the Medical Community
Increasing CFS awareness and sensitivity among medical professionals is critical to making headway against this illness. That’s why the Association works to educate the medical community. Here’s the progress we’re making in conjunction with the national public awareness campaign.
Get the full story >>

People Making History: Part 2
As we mark the Association’s 20th year of service, the CFIDS Chronicle and CFIDSLink have profiled everyday people who’ve made an impact on CFS history, as well as many CFS organizations that have led progress. One group of people who has been on the front lines of CFS history is the CFIDS Association’s Board of Directors. Learn more about the people who labor quietly but powerfully behind the scenes to help guide the CFS community.
Get the full story >>

Reserve Your Copy of “Defining Moments”
Production is wrapping up on a one-of-a-kind, special publication commemorating 20 years in the history of CFS, including profiles of key individuals, organizations and turning points, as well as personal essays by Seabiscuit author Laura Hillenbrand and other notable writers with CFS.

To receive a copy of “Defining Moments: 20 Years of Making CFS History”, simply make a donation or become a CFIDS Association member between now and October 1. All active Association members and donors will be mailed a copy of this one-of-kind edition in October.

CFS Experts Coming to Denver October 13
Until there’s no more CFS, we all need to know more about this illness. That’s why the CFIDS Association has been bringing experts to various cities to educate and empower CFS patients, their families and health care professionals. On October 13, Dr. Steven Croft and Dr. Suzanne Vernon are coming to Denver for the seventh in the “kNOw MORE CFS” seminar series.
Get the full story >>

Check the Mail for Your Chance to Make History
The CFIDS Association of America was founded in 1987 with one objective: to conquer CFS. As we commemorate 20 years of service to the CFS community, you might be asking how you can help.

Within a few weeks many of you should receive an appeal in the mail from the CFIDS Association. Your gift will help sustain our entire array of services—patient support, public awareness, provider education, advocacy and research. In fact, in a typical year gifts from individuals like you account for 83% of our unrestricted income.

So when your mailing arrives, please consider a generous contribution—and perhaps an additional $20 to commemorate our 20th anniversary. Or click here [http://www.cfids.org/ecommerce/online-donations.asp] to make your gift right now. Together we’re changing the course of this illness. We’re making CFS history!

Personal Stories: A Mother’s Story
When CFS strikes your child, it impacts the entire family. CFIDS Association board member Lynn Royster knows this firsthand. Her moving memoir “Much to be Grateful For” tracks the journey of her family through the complex landscape of CFS. Here’s an electronic copy of her 10-page story that you can print to keep or share with others.
Get the full story >>

Local Events Page
Visit http://www.cfids.org/community/local-events.asp for information on local happenings, conferences and special events of interest to the CFIDS community.