Why the lighthouse?

“There is a ... fatal spot upon the coast of Massachusetts, where many a brave heart and many a gallant ship lie buried in one common grave ... and it is really very remarkable that this most striking omission...has not before been observed."


These words, written by a Civil Engineer in a report to Congress in the mid-1800's, resulted in construction of the Sankaty Head Lighthouse located on Nantucket Island in Massachusetts.

For patients dealing with ME/CFS & FM, the lack of knowledge and education in the medical community is also a “most striking omission.” All too often, patients are left adrift with no idea where to turn. The absence of recognition and understanding by the general public only serves to make the challenge of living with these illnesses that much harder for these “brave and gallant” souls.

Since 1985, the goal of the Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association has been to educate and advocate for patients whose lives have been devastated by these illnesses. Much like the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, we exist to provide the assistance needed to help people living with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia find their way.