From the Mail Bag

Dear CFIDS Association and readers of CFIDS Link,

I was inspired by the article from the August 2004 CFIDS Link about PWC Mark Kahle’s raffle of four vacation cabins in Costa Rica to benefit efforts aimed at expanding CFIDS education and research (see www.ramshackcabins.com and http://www.cfids.org/cfidslink/kahle.asp). I wrote Mark last month to express my interest in his project as well as the in the life he has created for himself and his family in Costa Rica.

A little about me. . . My name is Victoria Agosta and I have been a disabled by CFIDS since 1994. Over the past decade, I have tried to make the most of every opportunity to increase awareness of this serious, yet misunderstood illness.

I find great value in the raffle that Mark has launched on Yahoo.com  – the importance of this opportunity should not be lost on any of us. Our national CFIDS organization stands to gain the staggering sum of $200,000 if Mark is able to successfully raffle off four cabins at $100 per ticket.

Think about it. Four individuals have a 1 in 2000 chance of winning a vacation cabin on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica . I’m not a gambler, but I can imagine that these kinds of odds are rare. The cabins may be worth more than $100,000 within a short time year. What an investment opportunity!

It is my understanding that CFIDS Link has a circulation of approximately 18,000, yet raffle tickets sales have been disappointing since the event went live last month. Something is wrong with this picture. 

In my opinion, this is not an issue of whether or not you or I will win a cabin. It is about raising funds for a cause that desperately needs money to accelerate research for and enhance understanding of a devastating, life-changing illness.

Many people with CFIDS struggle with limited resources and buying a ticket may not be possible. I am on disability and know about limited finances. I also know I want relief from the misery of CFIDS if not for me, then at least for my daughter.  She suffers from CFIDS too.

Therefore, I am hopeful that you will join me, get creative and help make this raffle a success.

Let’s get the word out. Call, email or write your friends and family members about this unique fundraising opportunity. Tell them how important it is to you and to other people with CFIDS. Ask them to share news of the raffle with those on their email lists. Even with limited energy, there are a myriad of ways to support this project. If you struggle with CFIDS like me, try to think about what you can do within the bounds of your resources. I believe all it takes is a bit of creative thinking and a will to make it happen.

“Hope lives within each of us when we simply do what we can,” says Mark. “I have hope that a healthier future awaits all of us whose lives have been turned upside down by CFIDS.  That’s a gift I want everyone with CFIDS to share.”  Mark is doing what he can. So should we.

Sincerely,
Victoria Agosta