21 April 2004
For immediate release
FM-CFS Canada
(Ottawa)
National coalition forms to develop Patient Registry to help research cause, treatment and cure of two chronic illnesses.
Audience Relevance:
3 million Canadians affected by Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What:
FM-CFS Canada, a nationally registered charity, working with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome groups across Canada, launches a Patient Registry to help researchers find the cause, a treatment, and a cure for these chronic illnesses that afflict one million Canadians, and affect two million more through their families.
Who:
FM-CFS Canada Chairman Graham Mayes
Executive Director John Ernst
Local Support groups, volunteers
When:
Thursday, April 22, 1 p.m.
Where:
Parliament Hill
Charles Lynch Room, 130-S in Centre Block
Ottawa
Broadcast feed available from Charles Lynch Room.
More information:
Quotes from charity, patients, physicians, family members, available by phone, email, and on our web site
Background information on illnesses, state of Canada's response, available with press release and on our web site (Media Section)
Contact: John Ernst, Executive Director, FM-CFS Canada
Direct: 1-613-565-2423,
Email: office@fm-cfs.ca
Web site: http://fm-cfs.ca
Why launch a campaign leading up to Mother's Day?
Of the one million afflicted, 85% are women, usually afflicted between ages 20-40.
Of the nearly 8 million Canadian families, about 10% have FM or CFS in their lives.
This drive is to help Canada's mothers, and the next generation of Canada's mothers.
Our thanks to the media:
FM-CFS Canada thanks the media for helping to carry news of this important research tool to the public, recognising that only with media support will news of this important advance be widely known. These chronic illnesses have long affected Canadian society. With your help we may learn why people are still being afflicted, how we can stay safe. The Patient Registry is an important tool in helping researchers find study subjects, conduct large studies, and use their research funds more effectively.
