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Providing support, community and opportunities to connect
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Social support groups and hangouts
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Educational email series
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Updated website with current, relevant information
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Webinars (YouTube)
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Facebook, blog
Serving the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Long-COVID and FM communities
What is FM?
FM (Fibromyalgia) is a chronic illness that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Some people experience reduced work and life function. However, with treatment, many people with fibromyalgia are able to work and do their regular activities.
What is ME?
ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a chronic, multi-system illness whose main symptoms include: - extreme fatigue not improved with rest; - worsening of symptoms after physical/mental effort (PEM, or Post Exertional Malaise); - unrefreshing sleep; - cognitive impairment and - orthostatic intolerance. ME is often disabling with 75% of patients unable to work/attend school, and some completely bedridden.
What is Long-COVID?
Long-COVID is defined as symptoms and conditions that continue or develop after a probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Some cases include identifiable organ damage while other cases present in a similar way to ME, with similar symptoms. Long-COVID may also include coughing, chest pain and trouble breathing not usually experienced with ME. Generally, Long-COVID results in substantial loss of function and capacity for daily activities.
The ME|FM Society of BC is
making a difference
We work with specialized clinics and healthcare workers to improve medical care, lead and participate in patient-informed research, influence government healthcare priorities, and directly help thousands of patients in BC understand and manage their illnesses to improve their quality of life.
Staffed mainly by volunteers, with a few key paid roles and the strategic engagement of expert advisors and contractors, we are working hard for you.
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341,000
The number of people we tirelessly work for in BC:
ME: 87,000
FM: 136,000
Long-COVID lasting over a year: 118,000
286,300
Collaborating across the province to educate the 286,300 healthcare workers in BC to bring respectful,
effective healthcare to our community.
3
The number of consecutive years in which the BC Government has officially recommended ME funding. Thanks to our My MLA and ME Advocates.
2
Year 2 of a new 5-year strategic plan: awareness, advocacy, research, education and improving the lives of patients.
Siobhan was once a ballet dancer
Siobhan was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada with her family in the 90s. From a young age she knew she was destined for a life on the stage. She began dance lessons at three and had landed her first major role in a ballet at ten. From then on, she dedicated her life to making it as a ballet dancer and by sixteen she was dancing professionally!