[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        NATIONAL CHRONIC FATIGUE IMMUNE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME DAY

 Mr. CHAFEE. Mr. President, the month of May is Chronic Fatigue 
Dysfunction Immune Syndrome Awareness Month. In my home State of Rhode 
Island, Governor Bruce Sundlun has declared the week of May 9 to 13 
Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Awareness Week. I would 
like to bring to my colleagues' attention this debilitating and 
mysterious illness, for which there is no treatment or cure, and I wish 
to honor the women and men who have been fighting hard to shed light on 
this growing health threat.
  Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome [CFIDS]/myalgic 
encephalomyelitis [ME] is a disease of the immune system principally 
characterized by muscle and joint pain, headache, loss of memory, 
shortness of breath, respiratory symptoms, and incapacitating fatigue. 
According to the National CFIDS association, an estimated 1 to 2 
million people are affected nationally.
  The Rhode Island Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome 
Association, Inc. [RI CFIDS] has been the primary advocate for CFIDS 
sufferers in my home State. This association has 150 members all who 
are know for their outstanding dedication and fortitude. Founded by 
Linda Dooley, of Coventry, RI, when she was diagnosed with CFIDS in 
1987, this association has established support groups for both adults 
and children, and organized seminars to teach doctors about CFIDS/ME. 
The association is working in concert with similar organizations across 
the Nation and around the world to increase awareness about this 
growing health concern.
  May 12 has been designated by the CFIDS Association of America as 
International Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Awareness 
Day. On this day, the Rhode Island CFIDS Association organized a rally 
to turn the spotlight on CFIDS. The 50 RI CFIDS members who attended 
received a gubernatorial proclamation declaring May 9 to 12 as CFIDS 
Awareness Week.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in praising the women and men who make 
up the CFDIS associations throughout the Nation.

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