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.

2023 Health Needs Assessment Community Listening Forum

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health wants to hear from people in Massachusetts about the health care needs of disabled people in the Commonwealth to inform future initiatives. MassME wants to make sure that people who are disabled by complex, chronic illnesses such as ME/CFS, Long COVID, post-treatment Lyme, multiple chemical sensitivities, etc., and those with disabling symptoms such as dysautonomia, cognitive impairment ("brain fog"), etc., are able to have their voices heard.

We are holding two discussion sessions for small groups of 10-12 people, the first on Thursday April 20 at noon ET, and the second on Tuesday May 2 at noon ET. If you are a person who has become disabled due to one of these conditions, or a caregiver, we invite you to participate. Registration will be capped at 16 for each session, so if you are interested, we encourage you to register soon.

Register for the Thursday, April 20, session
Register for the Tuesday, May 2, session

Read more: 2023 Health Needs Assessment Community Listening Forum


Sunday Conversations - April 16, 2023

"What Every Provider Should Know About ME/CFS (and how their patients can help them learn)"

Sunday, April 16, 2023, 4 p.m. Eastern Time

Howard Andrew Selinger, M.D.
Chair, Dept. of Family Medicine
Frank H. Netter School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

 

In a combination presentation and interview, Dr. Selinger will talk about how he teaches medical students about ME/CFS, and present the key facts he would like all providers to know. He will also address the challenges of patients face if their providers are not well-informed about ME/CFS. This program is also relevant to other conditions with symptoms similar to ME/CFS.

 

Recording and other resources

Read more: Sunday Conversations - April 16, 2023


Sunday Conversations - March 19, 2023

"The Broken Mishkan: Performance and Community Conversation with Sara Nesson"

Sunday, March 19, 2023, 4 p.m. EST

 

 

Mishkan is Hebrew for “sacred space.” The Broken Mishkan is a 23-minute theatrical work that follows author Sara Nesson’s compelling journey toward wholeness after being diagnosed with ME/CFS. From swimming New Hampshire lakes to chanting psalms with nuns in a California forest, in a story spiced with humor and Jewish mysticism, Sara celebrates the poignant connections between art, healing, wilderness, and blessing.

Read more: Sunday Conversations - March 19, 2023


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.