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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.

Register now for our Fall conference!

Details: Last Updated: 12 September 2018 12 September 2018

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Derya Unutmaz, principal investigator and the ME/CFS Collaborative Research Center at the Jackson Laboratories in Farmington, CT. Dr. Derya will tell us about his group's research results and how the Centers are working together to advance understanding of ME/CFS. Open to the public.

More information to come!

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Newton Wellesley Hospital, Newton MA

Researchers and Clinicians: Join the Researcher/Clinician Forum at 11 a.m. to meet colleagues and discuss your work informally. Lunch is provided and the afternoon program is included. Register for the forum

“My Medical Insurance Story” Survey – summary of results

Details: Last Updated: 08 June 2018 08 June 2018

We conducted a short 5-question survey during the month of April, 2018, and publicized it within the U.S. ME/CFS community. We asked respondents to briefly describe their experience with their (U.S.) commercial health insurance provider, identify the insurance provider, and rate their overall experience on a scale of 1 to 5 from very positive to very negative. We also asked if they had received a diagnosis of ME, CFS, or ME/CFS. We received 187 responses. Results were tallied by hand. 95% of respondents had a diagnosis of ME/CFS, or ME/CFS. 22% reported very positive or positive experiences, 16% neutral, and 62% negative or very negative.

New videos are posted!

Details: Last Updated: 05 July 2018 05 July 2018

Not able to attend recent screenings of Unrest in Massachusetts?

Videos (opening remarks and panel discussion) from these events are now posted.

Video from Cooley Dickinson Hospital (Northampton, May 2018)

Video from Massachusetts State House (Boston, April 2018)

Video from Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Boston, March 2018)

Video from Regent Theatre (Arlington MA, Nov. 2017)

Unrest Events - Spring 2018

Details: Last Updated: 23 April 2018 23 April 2018

Get details of all Unrest events Spring 2018 in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Congressional delegation supports ME/CFS patients

Details: Last Updated: 26 April 2018 26 April 2018

The entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation (two Senators and all nine Representatives) signed a statement of support for ME/CFS patients which was shown on the occasion of the screening of the documentary film “Unrest” on November 12, 2017 at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA. Our delegation's support for patients with ME/CFS was projected on the big screen at the event, which was attended by more than 360 healthcare professionals, ME/CFS patients, families, and supporters from Massachusetts and New England (VT, ME, CT, RI). We were proud to announce that Massachusetts is the first state that has had such a statement from every member of its congressional delegation.

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.