All the latest events from ANZMES.
University of Otago researchers have proved in two studies that chronic fatigue is not psychosomatic, despite the widely held belief.
The Panel on RNZ speak to Emeritus Professor Warren Tate, from the University of Otago’s department of Biochemistry.
Watch Jenny-May Clarkson interview Richie Barnett and Professor Warren Tate on Breakfast (via Facebook Watch).
New Answers for People Suffering with Chronic Fatigue – A new study on Chronic Fatigue Disorder (ME/CFS) is set to help health services better support those living with the disease. While it’s often labelled as depression or made up symptoms, the research confirmed ME/CFS is not a psychosomatic illness. Former rugby league football captain Richie Barnett shares his story with chronic fatigue this morning, along with Professor Warren Tate who has undertaken extensive research.
https://www.facebook.com/Breakfaston1/videos/1001270763701266
All are welcome to ME Auckland’s AGM, featuring guest speaker Dr Lynette Hodges.The talk will be held via Zoom. Simply click the link below to join (if joining from mobile, it may ask you to download the Zoom app). Details below 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87641407370
Meeting ID: 876 4140 7370
ANZMES is supporting Gavin in his project and will be using his work
for awareness raising and to advocate for those with ME/CFS. We thank
Gavin for this opportunity.
I am a photographer working on a portrait series on living with ME/CFS.
For this series, I am looking for people who are willing to sit for a
portrait and talk about how ME/CFS has impacted them.
The purpose of the project is to increase awareness and understanding
of how living with the condition impacts people’s lives in a very real
way.
This series will consist of a portrait series and personal stories of
those living with ME/CFS and will culminate in an online exhibition.
As well as ANZMES having the images and stories for their use as a
resource to further their advocacy work.
My partner lives with ME/CFS so I have an understanding of the
condition and a motivation to increase awareness of it.
If you are interested in being involved and telling your story. Please
don’t hesitate to get in touch
Gavin McGregor
0212774788
gavmc23@mac.com
https://www.gavinmcgregor.com
To be completed and sent in by 15th December 2020
The Survey Link is:
https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5728298/ANZMES-Survey-2020
1. It is totally voluntary to complete the survey.
2. Completion of the survey is anonymous and so we will not know who has completed the survey or be able to link a person with their responses.
3. All the responses will be joined together so only group information will be used.
4. The final statistics from the survey will be shared with others. For example it may be shared with the media via a press release. This information will also be used for lobbying.
We are aware that ME/CFS has a large impact in a variety of areas so we could have included many areas in this survey however, we are also aware that completing a long survey would not be possible for many people with ME/CFS so we have not been able to include all the areas.
We would encourage you to complete the survey, as the more people who complete the survey the more notice others will take of the results. If you know others with ME/CFS please encourage them to complete the survey as well.
The results will be summarised in the Meeting Place and on the ANZMES website.
Dr Vallings is speaking in Hamilton at the Methodist Church, corner of Normandy Ave and Bader St, Melville, Hamilton 10.30 to 11.30 on Thursday 13th August 2020.
Please Register by phoning Tracey on 07 8344745 or email tracey@mswaikato.org.nz.
Please arrive at 10.15 for a prompt start. Morning tea provided. A gold coin koha/donation will be greatly appreciated.
Today, 12th of May 2020 is ME Day!
As part of ANZMES awareness raising we are sending out these posters.
Could you please share them far and wide so many people get the message
that ME is an invisible Illness.
You can see a broken leg or arm as you have a cast on but many of the symptoms of ME are invisible and can not be seen.
Sharing these posters helps raise awareness and understanding.
Take Care and be kind to yourselves.
ANZMES Writing and Poetry Competition
We are holding our Writing and Poetry Competition for members again this year. The subject is “ME/CFS – The Invisible Illness”. Members are invited to write poems and essays on The Invisible Illness. As always we are looking forward to seeing your entries as the standard has been very high over the years. The Prize Winners entries will be included in our next Meeting Place Magazine.
First Prize – Free Subscription
2nd Prize $30 Voucher
3rd Prize $20 Voucher
Please email your entries in to
Or you can surface
mail to:
P O Box 36-307
Northcote
Auckland
Read Karly’s amazing story, which was not without incident – and then see the final total she raised – ANZMES is very grateful for all you have done for us!
I was nervous arriving at the start line. The day before the race I split my big toenail, had terrible cramps, and caught a cold and throat thing from my son. I wasn’t feeling particularly positive going into the run. After a quick warmup and stretch I decided to read through all the donor comments from my givealittle page to pump myself up. It was just what I needed and then it was go time. I really enjoyed the run. It was hard, but I didn’t feel like I was overdoing it and I didn’t notice my sore toe, or sickness. I honestly just kept thinking about when I could barely get off the couch a couple of years earlier and how far I have come. It probably wasn’t the best subject matter because I could feel the emotions building and then, as I saw my husband, son and family, and crossed the finish line, I could barely breathe from all of the emotions. I caught my breathe, then cried, then hugged my supporters and cried some more. Turns out I ran a post sickness personal best time. I feel so proud to have done something helpful, but also to show that it does get better. I hope that my story at the very least resonates with CFS/ME sufferers and supporters, and provides a bit of hope that in time things will get better. And after you get better and run a race because now you can, you too can feel good and then go home and eat your weight in chocolate.
Karly’s effort for ANZMES clocked up an amazing $1,720.00 – WOW. See the full story about Karly’s struggle with ME/CFS and total raised on her givealittle page – And more photos below of her run.
https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/slow-and-steady-wins-the-race
