July 2021 Newsletter
Greetings! 

Welcome to our ME International newsletter. We hope you find some valuable information in these newsletters. If you want to contribute to our next newsletter or have comments and suggestions, please let us know. 
 
Sincerely,

Colleen Steckel, Editor Colleen.Steckel@ME-International.org

TIP FOR THE MONTH
Read About Some Pain Relief Suggestions

Click HERE to learn.

ME INTERNATIONAL NEWS
New Board Member
Suzy Paulsen was approved by the board in June to become a new board member.

Suzy grew up and lives in British Columbia, Canada. She is passionate about volunteering and wants to help advocate for patients with ME. Read her full bio on our website HERE.
Pulse Oximeter Project
The Pulse Oximeter fundraiser page on our website has been updated to include the countries we have sent pulse oximeters to. 

As of June 20, 2021, ME International has provided 79 pulse oximeters to its members in the following countries: USA, Canada, Australia, England, Wales, Scotland, Czech Republic, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands.

We intend to continue the project providing we have donations to cover costs of the devices and mailing. If you have not already requested one, please reply to this email or Admin@ME-International.org. 
 
Donations can still be made to help us with this project so as many of our members as possible can better manage their activity and heart rate. Please share with your family and friends.  
 
Every donation to this fundraiser is intended to purchase and distribute the Pulse Oximeters. ME International board members, volunteers and staff receive no compensation for their services. 

You, your family, and your friends can donate HERE.
  
ME International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit all-volunteer organization founded in November 2019. EIN 84-3568066

ME International Country Groups

We have formed Facebook groups for those living in Australia, Canada, USA, Europe, UK, and Africa. This gives our members in one location or region a place to talk, get acquainted with others in your country, and learn more about ME and what is offered in each country.

These groups could possibly meet by Zoom at a certain time each month. We hope to have current information about ME discussed at the meetings plus a program of interest. If you are interested in leading a group or would like more information, please email admin@me-international.org.

We have also formed Creative Groups on Facebook. These groups don't concentrate on ME or other chronic illnesses, but rather participate in discussions about doing creative things, such as cake baking, crocheting, redoing furniture, making jewelry or other crafts, just to name a few ideas. These Creative Groups will help take our minds off our illness and spend some time on a hobby or craft. If you are interested in a Creative Group or would like more information, please email admin@me-international.org.

ADVOCACY
A Well Deserved Award

This article is a quote from Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland Facebook page.

“ ****Shining a light on Myalgic Encephomyelitis and fibromyalgia****

The trustees of Hope 4 ME & Fibro Northern Ireland are very honoured and delighted to have received the 2021 Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. The award is a very welcome recognition of the many volunteer hours invested in supporting patients; campaigning for medical services; and promoting better understanding of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia to medical professionals. We are indebted to all our members and friends whose stories helped secure this prestigious award for our charity. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, QAVS awards have been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups for many years. Equivalent to an MBE, QAVS are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

****************************
A heartfelt thanks to ALL of our volunteers, past and present, our members, supporters, medical and scientific advisers and our family members, who have believed in our visions and made the efforts of the past ten years so very worthwhile and rewarding. ”

A second award was announced: "We are honoured to have received a second award from the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services. Special Designation for providing impactful support to their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic 2020.

Support for our patient members included, relief from financial hardship, ready-made meals and Christmas dinners delivered to patient’s homes, winter heating fuel and continuing Zoom meetings, coffee mornings and guided meditation, stress reduction classes."

See their website HERE.
Good News From Norway

Controversial ME study: Ethical approval withdrawn!

A Norwegian study in which 120 ME patients were to be treated with the alternative method Lightning Process received ethical approval in October 2020. Recently, the approval was withdrawn. See the article HERE.

The Lightning Process is a self healing technique. Read the article HERE that explains why the study was determined to be unethical and indefensible.

SCIENCE
Possible Connection between ME and Enteroviruses

ME International recognizes the possible connection between myalgic encephalomyelitis and enteroviruses. This recent article points out the importance of pursuing research into that connection. 

The article states “We conclude that there is considerable evidence that prior outbreaks of ME/CFS were caused by one or more enterovirus groups. Furthermore, we find that the methods used in prior studies were inadequate to rule out the presence of chronic enteroviral infections in individuals with ME/CFS. Given the possibility that such infections could be contributing to morbidity and preventing recovery, further studies of appropriate biological samples with the latest molecular methods are urgently needed.”

Read the article HERE.

IN MEMORIAM
Death of Dr. Paul Cheney

Dr. Paul Cheney was one of the doctors who saw patients in the ME (CFIDS) outbreak in Incline Village, Nevada. He treated many patients over the years and published information still in use today. He passed away on June 10, 2021. See the link HERE to a 2013 presentation by Dr. Cheney which is also on our website history page HERE.

ME/CFS Memorial Page

"This page acknowledges all those who have passed from ME/CFS or secondary conditions. They acknowledge their suffering and promise that they have not died in vain. With love, we remember them." Click HERE for the memorial page.

The purpose of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) International is to educate the general public, medical providers, and governments throughout the world as well as support ME patients, caregivers, advocates, organizations, family and friends.