Raising Awareness for the Millions Missing

5/12/2020

Today (Tuesday, May 12) is Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) Awareness Day. While it’s been observed each year since 1993, it takes on new meaning in the age of Covid-19. As retail stores in my home state reopen and many people resume some semblance of their normal routines, the threat of M.E. has never been greater. On one hand, the survival rate of coronavirus patients is higher than some original estimates. On the other hand, those who have recovered face an increased risk of complications like M.E. and other post-viral fatigue syndromes.

Recent studies suggest that as many as 10% of people who recover from the coronavirus could develop M.E. in the coming months. Yet funding for research to find a cure is almost nonexistent. Raising awareness and advocating for the millions of people who are affected by this debilitating disease is needed now more than ever. To find out how you can help to make a difference, visit the M.E. Action Network. And for those who are social distancing, here are four things you can do in the safety of your own home to learn more about M.E. and help raise awareness.

1. Download this Incurable #MillionsMissing Facebook cover photo.

Visit the Downloads page to get this cover photo and share using #millionsmissing.

2. Watch Unrest on Netflix.

The Sundance award-winning documentary tells the stories of M.E. patients and their families.

3. Read A Girl Behind Dark Glasses by Jessica Taylor-Bearman.

The author shares her diary chronicling her teenage years with M.E. She was able to capture her thoughts with voice-activated technology when she was living in the hospital and unable to write.