We’d like to say a special thanks today to Lauren Grubisich for helping to raise awareness of ME/CFS in Canada!
Lauren is a Director at Large of The University of Victoria Society for Students with a Disability which recently partnered with the ME|FM Society of BC and The UVic Equity and Human Rights Office to host an educational seminar on ME/CFS.
She explained, “It’s important for the medical community and general public to understand that ME/CFS is a serious, long term disabling illness that affects over 560 000 Canadians. Though there are currently no Health Canada approved treatments, through education and understanding, practitioners can help to make meaningful changes in the lives of patients.”
Event participants were shown a partial screening of the medical documentary, Unrest, accompanied by an #MEAction C.M.E. Diagnosis and Disease Management video, followed by a combined patient-practitioner panel.
The discussion/Q&A panel featured Dr. Luis Nacul, ME clinician and researcher who serves as Medical Director of the Complex Chronic Diseases Program at BC Women’s Hospital. Accompanying Dr. Nacul on the panel where 3 wonderful individuals from the local patient and caregiver community.
Over 70 individuals attended the seminar, between the medical practitioners, researchers, students, and community members. Many left with hard-copy resources, expressing interest in future educational opportunities. The organizers reported that it was a greatly successful evening overall, and they look forward to hosting again in the future.
Thanks also to organizers OMF Canada Board Member Elizabeth Sanchez, also of the ME|FM Society of BC, and Rahaf A., a board member of the University of Victoria Society for Students with a Disability. The panel was moderated by Dr. Moussa Magassa of the UVic Equity and Human Rights Office.
Panel members included Dr. Luis Nacul, Lana, Gloria, and Hayden, members of the local patient/caregiver community.