Rainbow at shoreline

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association, a 501(c)3 founded in 1985, exists to meet the needs of patients with ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or FM (Fibromyalgia), their families and loved ones. The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association works to educate health-care providers and the general public regarding these severely-disabling physical illnesses. We also support patients and their families and advocate for more effective treatment and research.

Article Index

by Ken Casanova

June 27, 1999

On June 27, 1999, Dr. Nancy Klimas, an internationally respected Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) researcher and clinician, and a member of the federal CFS Coordinating Committee, presented a thorough review of the latest scientific information on CFS research and treatment. At the end of her lecture the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association presented Dr. Klimas with a substantial donation for her work. This donation would not have been possible without the support of our members and contributors.

Dr. Klimas emphasized that ME/CFS patients have good reason to be hopeful since ME/CFS research has advanced in these last few years as a result of more research funding. Dr. Klimas stressed that the political and advocacy work of patient organi­zations are a key to obtaining future research funds. Political pressure pushes the federal government to provide the ME/CFS research funds critical to future progress. (Since this lecture, Dr. Klimas has received an NIH CFIDS Research Center grant.)

Notice about names

The Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association would like to clarify the use of the various acronyms for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) on this site. When we generate our own articles on the illness, we will refer to it as ME/CFS, the term now generally used in the United States. When we are reporting on someone else’s report, we will use the term they use. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other federal agencies, including the CDC, are currently using ME/CFS. 

Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association changed its name in July, 2018, to reflect this consensus.