"FORGET ME NOT"

This page was established about 1997 by the former Lismore based Northern Rivers ME/CFS/FM Association. 

This page is dedicated to the memory of loved ones who have passed away through through complications of M.E/CFS/FM or by their own hand 

We remember those who lost their lives in war, through complications by having AIDS. We, therefore need to remember those who have lost their battle through the devastation of ME/CFS/FM and/ or related illnesses. 

The former Lismore NRMECFS management committee submitted an M.E Charter 2000 to the Australian Federal Government asking them to establish a National database to record deaths from ME/CFS/FM similar to that of AIDS.  Unfortunately this was never established.

 ME/CFS is being recognised as a serious and debilitating illness, but not a fatal one. However, researchers at DePaul University, USA, led by Dr Leonard Jason, have been looking into mortality rates of persons with ME/CFS.

They have been analysing the National CFIDS Foundation's Memorial List in order to better categorise causes of death. This is a list of individuals with ME/CFIDS (CFS) who have died, and their names were sent to this list by relatives or friends in order that they be remembered. The reason for deaths among the 144 individuals where cause of death was available were analysed in this recent report to our organisation. 

The DePaul University team uncovered some significant findings. They found that approximately 60% of deaths were caused by heart failure, cancer, and suicide. But even more importance, they discovered that those dying of cancer and suicide were considerably younger than individuals who die of those in the general population. The findings are significant and this warrants further investigation.

Meanwhile, myths and misconceptions which have detracted from the true nature and severity of the illness continue to be challenged and shattered. ME/CFS is NOT merely a chronic, manageable, non-fatal illness from which most/many people recover. (reprint with permission from The National CFIDS Foundation newsletter. Read more on their memorial page on the Web site: http://:www.ncf-net.org)                                                  -------------------------------

Unfortunately I am no longer involved with the ME/CFS Support Association.  I have not been informed of people who have passed away through ME/CFS/FM. The state CFS/ME Societies are reluctant to publish information when a person with this illness dies. However, our condolences go out to the family and friends who may have lost a loved one through complications of this illness. I thereby dedicate this memorial list in eternal memory of those who have lost the battle but are not forgotten.

Memorial list

For some of these people the intolerable pain was too much for them, they ended their lives. Others had another medical complications. If you read this page and you would like a loved one remembered please email me

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith:
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light:
And where there is sadness, joy.

O' Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
Seek to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi

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