MyalgicEncephalomyelitis/CFS and Fibromyalgia Awareness Family Day Picnic
“Chronic disease patients raise awareness for the first time in Tasmania.”
Over 200,000 people are affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and 2% of the population are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in Australia. ME/CFS is morecommon and just as debilitating as multiple sclerosis and some forms of cancer. Doctors working with severe cases have likened it to late stage AIDS. The suffering hour to hour is relentless in severe ME. Studies have shown that patients with this condition have more physical dysfunction than those with multiple sclerosis, and that in ME/CFS the degree of impairment is more extreme than in end-stage renal disease and heart disease. Even a moderate case can be more debilitating than congestive heart failure (Cowhurst, 2010).
Social isolation, stigma and misunderstanding from the health care profession make these illnesses insufferable for the patient and their caregivers. An initiative from Hobart ME and Fibromyalgia patient, Lucy Corrigan, seeks to reduce the social isolation of those affected. Corrigan aims to reduce dismissive treatment from the communityby raising awareness of these illnesses and decrease the amount of time it takes for a patient to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Corrigan has formed‘ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Support Tasmania’ which is a patient-run support group open to people diagnosed with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia and their carers. In support of International Awareness Week for ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia, Corrigan is launching the initiative with a free, family day picnic to raise awareness of these devastatingillnesses. Corrigan aims to provide a platform for patients and their families to connect with others in a similar situation. Corrigan’s message to the community is simple.
It is time for change. There is a way forward. Research is clear that ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia are complex, organic, biological illnesses that cause multi-system,neuro-immunological dysfunction within the body (WHO, 1969). ME/CFS Australia (Vic,Tas,NT) is the endorsing association for the family day picnic and support group and can be contacted via the contact details below.
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Support Tasmania’s launch event is a family day picnic at The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Garden Rotunda on Saturday May 17th at 11.00am until 1.00pm. There will be children’s activities, resources, assistance and information available on the day. ME and Fibromyalgia awareness merchandise, such as badges and crochet butterflies will be available to buy on the day. All proceeds raised on the day will go towards the event costs and advocacy and awareness raising programs through ME/CFS Australia (VicTasNT).
Statistical References
www.myvmc.com/diseases/fibromyalgia-fibrositis-syndrome/Associate Professor Geoff Littlejohn, Director Rheumatology Monash University/Monash Medical Centre, Victoria, Australia
(http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Lookup/4429.0main+features100182009).
Cowhurst, G. (2010) Stone Bird. Supporting Someone with Severe ME: Care Sheets. (http://www.mecfs-vic.org.au/sites/www.mecfs-vic.org.au/files/Greg%20Crowhurst%20-%20Server%20ME.pdf)
www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
Download Flyer:
May_17th.pdf
Lucy Corrigan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/510703555670702/
