ME/CFS - What is it?

M.E. stands for Myalgic Encephalomeylitis, CFS stands for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Deficiency Syndrome). They are the very same disease, characterized by chronic, severe fatigue and a host of other physiological and cognitive symptoms.    ME/CFS is usually triggered by a virus, physical or emotional trauma, during which the immune system is activated and fails to 'shut down' properly after the threat is gone. M.E. literally means inflamation of the brain and spinal cord.

Why is ME/CFS important to know about?

An estimated 28 million people around the world suffer from ME/CFS. Not only are they affected, but so are their families, friends, work-places and communities. In fact, ME/CFS affects everyone in the world.
  
In some countries, M.E. is seen as a 'psychiatric' or somatoform disorder, which means that it is treated with psychological therapy that emphasizes the mind-body connection. Tragically, ME is absolutely a biological disease, and there is mounting biomedical evidence to support this. The W.H.O. (World Health Organization) has recognized M.E. as a "nervous system disorder" since 1969, however, treatment guidelines have been adopted in the U.K. that cite Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) as the only and preferable treatments for people suffering from M.E.  These NICE Guidelines have resulted in a number of people being "sectioned" -  locked up in psychiatric wards - and forced to exercise. This inevitably increases the severity of their symptoms. Regardless of this, people suffering from M.E. continue to be stigmatized and abused by health care providers who believe they are 'malingering' (faking). At least one case of death from these circumstances has been documented, and although well-publicized, the death of Sophia Mirza in 2005 has not prevented others from being mistreated in similar ways. This must END.

What is WAMCARE doing about it?

The Worldwide Association for ME/CFS Awareness and Research exists to help stop the tragedy of ME/CFS in several different ways. Our goals are:

• to spread the truth about ME/CFS - that it is a biological disease, as scientific evidence shows, and not psychological in nature
•  to end stigmatization and abuse of ME/CFS patients around the world
•  to support people with ME/CFS and their families in every way we can
•  to raise funds for real, useful biomedical research, so that causes and treatments and ultimately CURES can be found

How is WAMCARE operated?

WAMCARE uses social media to spread awareness of ME/CFS across the world. We are run entirely by volunteers from their homes and computers, and therefore have lower overhead costs than office-run organizations.  We are directed by a Board of Directors, who hold collective authority over decision-making and operate in a democratic fashion. Our membership is made up of volunteers who have voting rights on all organizational policies and important matters. We have bylaws and mandates that ensure we stay focused on our mission. One of our most revered policies is our People First Mandate. Most of our volunteers consist of people with ME/CFS, so we place a high value on the health and well-being of our members. Individual health concerns come first.  On the other hand, we operate under the dictum "the message is more important than the messenger" and leave our egos at the door when we work. We are a team of heart-centered individuals, all of whom have an innate desire to change the world for the better.

Volunteer For Wamcare!

Want to join the WAMCARE Team and make a difference?
Check out our volunteer pages, or email: volunteer@wamcare.org