ME - CFS Tissue and Blood Bank
Casey Fero

On July 4, 2005, at the age of 23, Casey Fero died in his sleep. In September, a Madison forensic pathologist determined that Casey had Myocarditis, that is, viral infection of the heart muscle. Some medical researchers suggest that there is a link between cardiac problems and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Casey was diagnosed with CFS at age 9 and again at age 15. It caused him to feel weak, unable to think, and exhausted. He was plagued with headaches, stomach problems, and had major sleep disorder among a list of daily symptoms.  Casey persevered and did not want people to know his condition. Early on, he knew that medical help was unavailable and furthermore, he was met with disbelief in the school and in the doctor’s office. 

As a lasting tribute to Casey, the Fero family, the Wisconsin Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association, Inc., and Mothers against Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Inc. (MAME) will create the first universal access blood and tissue bank for ME-CFS patients. 

Sound medical research is the key to understanding the cause of these disorders and to developing treatments that can help patients manage daily living.  Many recognized illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s, were poorly understood before the creation of tissue and blood banks.   Precious gifts of tissue and blood benefit all individuals and families living with illness. 

A universal access specimen bank means that any scientist can ask for samples provided that their study meets careful guidelines. The Institute for Viral Pathogenesis, a Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in Milwaukee , will house the freezer for specimens. <www.ivpresearch.org> Government regulated procedures are already in place to care for donated tissue and blood.

Right now, we are fund raising to buy an additional freezer for storage at the facility. The cost is about $10,000. Will you help us?  Your contribution is tax deductible through the Wisconsin CFS Association, Federal ID number 39 -1614649. Memorial gifts in support of the blood and tissue bank can be sent to Casey’s Fund, c/o Wisconsin CFS Association, 747 Lois Drive, Sun Prairie, WI  53590. Donations can also be made online at http://www.wicfs-me.org/. All monies donated in Casey’s memory will support the blood and tissue bank.