ME Awareness 2024 #GoBlueForMECFS #MillionsMissing

My name is Sammy Lincroft and I am one of the Millions Missing2024 with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis aka MECFS.

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ME took a nuclear bomb to my life. I went from a world-traveling musician and skilled computer scientist to being unable to even sit up and use a laptop, reliant on IV fluids and 24/7 care for every basic need.

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This Global ME Day I Go Blue For MECFS as a Global Voice For ME to fight for more than 50 million people worldwide with this devastating neuroimmunological illness and millions more with long covid 50% of whom meet the criteria for ME/CFS.

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It takes on average 5 years for someone to receive a diagnosis of ME and 90% of patients are undiagnosed and only ⅓ of med schools teach about ME/CFS. We demand that doctors will learn to teach ME treat ME and give millions missing the care we deserve.

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ME is one of the most neglected diseases on earth. It receives only 7% of the funding it should, only $5 per patient, less than any other illness in the NIH’s funding database. MillionsMissing have had their lives destroyed due to decades of neglect. But it is never too late to change.

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ME is like quicksand. The harder you fight it the faster it will take you down. What we need are allies. Healthy people on solid ground who can throw us a rope. Who will hear our calls for help and bring us the healthcare and research for MECFS we need

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I haven't been outside since 2022 (Severe ME)

Haven't seen the sun (chronic migraine)

Breathed fresh air (MCAS)

Stood on my own two feet (POTS) Gone one day without pain (fibromyalgia)

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It is as though I live my life on a space station. Watching the Earth spin past me, connected only by my com link: new reports, text from friends and family on Earth, and of course my fellow astronauts the ME Community togther in NEISVoid. Today we send out an SOS. Doctors, families, friends, head our distress call. Ally with ME and #Teach METreat ME 2024

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Beyond awareness take action by:

Donating to @mutualaidforme's ME Awareness Month mutual aid drive

Donating to research by @openmedf

Sharing the Mayo Clinic Proceedings on ME with local GP clinics