From The Desk of Kim McCleary

When Hurricane Katrina was just a swirl on weather station tracking maps, I received a letter from a woman made homeless by CFIDS two years ago due to her inability to work and pay rent. I’ll call her Delia to protect her privacy. Delia writes, “I have been moving from shelter to shelter, sleeping in National Guard armories, hostels and various other places. The moving from place to place, carrying my bags and enduring this illness is at times unbearable. I am too sick to live like this.” She tells me that her application for Social Security disability benefits was twice denied and she has no spouse or other family who can afford to support her. She mentions her hope of buying a van as a temporary solution to homelessness, until she can “find another way or work part-time.” Before getting sick, Delia studied computer programming, worked as a secretary, waitress and professional musician. She encloses a letter from her physician, documenting her disability and need. I think to myself, at the very least she has a compassionate doctor on her side. She needs so much more.

Within 24 hours, reports and searing images of the desperate circumstances of millions displaced and homeless in the wake of the storm and flooding could have made it easy to put Delia’s letter – and her request for help – aside. Instead, it has helped me focus on the role I can play in responding to this disaster.

I am grateful for the work of the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, hurricanehousing.org and dozens of other organizations (see links below) working to raise funds for relief services and to get help to those whose lives are the real wreckage left by Katrina. I am grateful because they are equipped and organized to mobilize aid to storm victims and evacuees. But of the one million U.S. charities recognized by the IRS, only a handful direct their resources to efforts that will change Delia’s prospects. As someone who works for one of those rare charities, I understand how great Delia’s needs are and recognize how few will come to her aid. For that reason, I will support the hurricane relief effort but my priority will continue to be fueling the important work of the CFIDS Association.

There are thousands of persons with CFIDS (PWCs) among the affected residents of Gulf coast communities devastated by the hurricane. We know from a study of Miami-area CFS patients done in the wake of Hurricane Andrew that relapse is almost certain, due to the added physical and emotional stressors inflicted in such a crisis and its extended aftermath. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this tragedy, especially the ones for whom CFIDS creates added burdens. And we remain steadfastly committed to our work on their behalf, and on behalf of people like Delia. We remain committed to conquering CFIDS.   

With deep appreciation for your support,

K. Kimberly McCleary
President & CEO
The CFIDS Association of America

Links:

Help with general hurricane relief: American Red Cross, Salvation Army, America’s Second Harvest 

Offer or obtain housing for hurricane refugees (include a note specific to housing those with CFIDS, if you wish): hurricanehousing.org, shareyourhome.org and New Orleans’ website

Get in touch with family or friends in the affected areas: National Next of Kin Registry, Missing Persons Board, New Orleans ’ website

Learn more about the CFIDS Association’s programs, read the 2004 Annual Report and visit the online donations page 

Investigate charities, including relief organizations: GuideStar and Better Business Bureau

Hurricane Katrina Relief Assistance for People with Disabilities