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.

Here are the mission statements of the eight nonprofits (in alphabetical order) who are participating in the 2012 contest. You can also check their websites to learn more.

ENTEROVIRUS FOUNDATION INC

Mission: "The scariest disease you've never heard of..." Help us END EV! According to the CDC there are 50 million enterovirus infections annually in the US and an estimated one billion globally. They are as easy to catch as the common cold. Enterovirus infections such as Coxsackie, EV71, and Echovirus can trigger diseases such as juvenile diabetes, viral myocarditis, viral meningitis, Hand Food and Mouth Disease, pancreatitis, and approximately 26 disease associations that we know of. There is no treatment. EVF is committed to providing funding for: •Research • Finding antiviral medications that work • Improving diagnostic testing • Accelerating communication across the research and medical communities, including clinical education about the latest in diagnosis and treatment • Raising public awareness about enteroviruses and their role in disease.

Website: http://www.enterovirusfoundation.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EVForg

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?app_data=ein|26-3513934

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NEURO IMMUNE DISEASE ALLIANCE INC

AKA: NIDA

Mission
A specific list of high-priority projects ( The OMI-MERIT Initiative), focused on finding diagnostic tools and treatments, including a Rituxan clinical trial, was created and agreed upon by a global consortium of world renowned researchers and clinicians including, in alphabetical order, Drs. Lucinda Bateman, Yenan Bryceson, Ron Davis, David Dreyfus, Oystein Fluge, Mady Hornig, Nancy Klimas, Andy Kogelnik (Chair), Charles Lapp, Jay Levy, Alan Light, Kathleen Light, Sonya Marshall, Mauro Malnati, Olav Mella, Jose Montoya, Dan Peterson, Simone Pensieroso, Ila Singh, Carmen Scheibenbogen, Charles Shepherd, and Rozamond Vallings. NIDA is collaborating with the Open Medicine Institute (OMI) and all monies raised as part of the Chase-sponsored contest will support the OMI-MERIT Initiative. The goals are to fast-track answers in diagnosis and treatment. For more information please visit http://www.openmedicineinstitute.org.

Website: http://www.nidalliance.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Support-CFSME/273240696061761

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?app_data=ein|27-2861703

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NEW JERSEY CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME ASSOCIATION INC

AKA: NJCFSA

Mission
The primary purpose of the New Jersey Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association, Inc is to disseminate information about CFS to patients, caregivers, the health care community and the public, organize and maintain patient support groups, and promote research into the cause, method of treatment, diagnosis and cure of the disease.

Website: http://www.njcfsa.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/New-Jersey-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Association-Inc-NJCFSA/141665745869451
Twitter: twitter.com/njcfsa

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?cv=2&app_data=ein|22-3367433

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OFFER

Listed on Chase as:
ORGANIZATION FOR FATIGUE AND FIBROMYALGIA EDUCATION AND RESEARC

AKA: OFFER

Mission: Our mission is to offer hope to individuals who are affected by Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia (FM) by providing and supporting education, advocacy, research and networking for patients and families. We will accomplish this mission by • Educating patients, families, physicians and community members; • Changing perspectives within community systems, families, governments, public insurance companies, and providers through advocacy and greater awareness; • Supporting ongoing CFS and FM research and disseminate current, accurate information to patients, providers, and other interested parties; • Improving community resources for patients with CFS and FM, by identifying a network of healthcare providers, social workers, and other professionals who are informed, compassionate, qualified, knowledgeable and affordable.http://www.offerutah.org/

Website: http://www.offerutah.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/offer.utah.3
Twitter: twitter.com/OFFERUtahorg

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?cv=2&app_data=ein|87-0687610

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PHOENIX RISING

Listed on Chase as:
PHOENIX RISING AN NEID CORPORATION

Mission: Phoenix Rising is a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) information and online programs they can use to enhance their health and well-being.

Website: http://phoenixrising.me
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixRisingMECFS?ref=hl

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?app_data=ein|27-3313361

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THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CFS/ME & FM ASSOCIATION

Listed on Chase as:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CFS ASSOCIATION INC

Mission: The Rocky Mountain CFS/ME & FM Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for those affected by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) / Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), and Fibromyalgia (FM). Our mission: Advocate for research Awareness for understanding Educate for patient care Support for hope

Website: http://www.rmcfa.org/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/RMCFA-Rocky-Mountain-CFS-ME-FM-Association/162296707138242
Twitter: twitter.com/rmcfaorg

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?app_data=ein|84-1178034

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WISCONSIN ME AND CFS ASSOCIATION, INC. ( 1987)

Listed on Chase as:
Wisconsin Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Association, Inc.

Mission
In 1987, Wisconsin pledged to assist patients and their families. In 2012, the needs of the majority of our underserved patient population have changed. People sick with ME and CFS who lack computer access and /or skills to use a computer, may be denied the very basis of hope, that is, a proper diagnosis, better medical care, and knowledge about promising research. Mission: The CO-OP for Services is a toll free health information access number.Trained responders briefly talk with people who are ill, secure a mailing address, and send it to a designated confidential e mail address. WIsconsin will send out a package of good medical information about CFS. Goals: To locate the large number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed CFS patients To give patients with no Internet access a way to get medically approved information. SEPT 1 start up: Health Information CO-OP for Services Toll Free: 1-855-878-5555

Website: http://www.wicfs-me.org

Facebook/Chase voting page:
https://www.facebook.com/ChaseCommunityGiving/app_162065369655?cv=2&app_data=ein|39-1614649

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.