Discussion on the background of the film

Rik Carlson, Founder Vermont CFIDS Association

Why did you make this film?

“Because CFIDS is dismissed, relegated to hysterical women, passed off as depression, and not taught in medical schools, in most, if not all cases, patients worsen dramatically ... While this disease alone is immensely debilitating, the disregard and misdiagnoses by people of authority causes even more catastrophic results. When the true disease is denied, families are destroyed. When it’s accepted, recovery programs can be developed and healing can begin."

Who is this film’s audience?

“It is very important to share our personal stories. This film is for parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors, employers, and physicians. Let the healing begin."

Michael Thurston, Vermont Filmmaker

"I am lucky enough to be well. I have watched my friend, Rik Carlson, struggle for years to return to his normal life. I knew him when he was well. The difference in the Rik I knew then versus the Rik I know now is so dramatic, had I not known the before and after, it would be hard to believe."

"INVISIBLE is the accidental movie. We aimed cameras at people who had stories to tell, not knowing what they would say. They spoke through the depths of illness, straight from their hearts. Little did any of us know how powerful their collective statement would be. None of them are INVISIBLE now."