"Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases

Mr. Speaker, May 12th is International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, gulf war and multiple chemical sensitivity syndromes.

These devastating illnesses are striking a growing number of Canadians who suffer from cognitive problems, chronic muscle and joint pain, extremely reduced stamina and numerous other symptoms which leave sufferers ill and bed-ridden for years at a time. Most sufferers are unable to work because of their pain. However, their suffering is not only physical. A lack of public knowledge about these disorders often causes sufferers their jobs and their disability benefits.

A constituent, mother and close friend of mine, Leni Spooner, suffers from fibromyalgia syndrome. She will live with this condition for the rest of her life. Her 16 year old daughter was also recently diagnosed with the same disorder.