Revolutionary Women Learn About CFIDS

On July 27, 2004 Jamie Davis , the Association’s director of development and COO, and Kim McCleary, president and CEO, helped educate 4,100 participants at a special event in Boston, “Revolutionary Women.” As the only disease-specific exhibitor, CFIDS took on special importance. Mothers, daughters, friends and co-workers of persons with CFIDS gladly received printed materials and the opportunity to talk about the devastating effect CFIDS had on a loved one. Several people confided that they were in varying stages of recovery, trying to make up for time spent on the sidelines of life. Health care professionals and policy makers also visited the booth, impressed by the wealth of information available to them.

Speakers at the event included former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, House Minority Leader Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. Howard Dean introduced the speakers; recording artist Liz Phair performed and event creator Barbara Lee, a philanthropist whose passion is empowering women to lead, addressed the capacity crowd. An earmarked gift from an anonymous donor enabled the Association to be represented at this dynamic event.