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The Good Cause Award
Of more than 200 charities vying for a $2 million dollar advertising campaign, being offered by DDB Canada, CanWest, Telus, and others, FM-CFS Canada was one of only five charities invited to make an in-person presentation to their judging committee. This was the first 'Good Cause Award,' intially planned to be an annual event where charities compete for a Grand Prize.
It was won by the Canadian Mental Health Association, a worthy cause. We were told by a few of the judging committee members that we came second, to which we say thanks for the vote of moral support! FM & ME/CFS would certainly have been helped immensely if such a campaign had happened. FM-CFS Canada will continue to work hard to achieve successful outcomes for the cause.
May 12th, 2005:
Senator Marjorie LeBreton, now Leader of the Senate, researched and then read a proclamation in the Senate on May 12th, recognising it as Canada's Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (M.E.) Awareness Day. Ontario MPP Richard Patten read a May 12th Proclamation in the Provincial Parliament.
With our thanks, here are some kind letters.
Thank you for your e-mail of December 6 [2004] concerning Fibromyalgia and
Chronic Fatique Syndrome. It is my pleasure to have this opportunity to
extend my moral support and encouragement to your organization and to
the millions of people affected by these diseases.
I want to assure you that the Conservative Party is committed to
providing all Canadians with a strong and effective health care program.
It is our hope that the quality of life for all Canadians can be
improved.
I wish you the best of luck in your pursuits.
Sincerely,
Hon. Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada
Thank you for your email of September 22, 2004 regarding the initiatives of FM-CFS Canada to develop resources for health professionals and the public on Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Saskatchewan recognizes the effect chronic disease can have on people. A number of organizations have been established to advance better information related to specific chronic diseases and to provide support to their patients and families, as well as information and education for health professionals. The involvement of such agencies can supplement the role of health professionals who provide care to people suffering from chronic diseases.
I am pleased to extend my best wishes to FM-CFS Canada in your efforts to support people who suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and to develop educational resources in that respect.
Again, thank you for writing,
Sincerely,
John T. Nilson, Q.C.
Saskatchewan Minister of Health
Thank you for your September 15, 2004 letter providing information about your organization’s work in addressing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Your approach exemplifies a philosophy I think is imperative to the success of our health care system - that health care is a shared responsibility. It is a partnership between individuals, their families, health professionals and community-based organizations that work on raising awareness and providing valuable information to those living with specific illnesses. Community-based support is often invaluable in terms of providing moral and social support, resources and information for those burdened by a serious chronic illness.
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that often defy treatment, so I am very pleased that your organization is here to provide the support and understanding that individual sufferers and their caregivers need.
Gary G. Mar, Q.C.
Minister of Health and Wellness
Government of Alberta
On behalf of the Department of Health, I am pleased to write this letter of support and encouragement to achieve the goals and objectives of FM-CFS Canada, a national charitable organisation for individuals/families with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Your mandate, through working with others to increase awareness of the illnesses, provides education and support to those with the illness and to further research in the area, which is very important.
I wish you continued success in your organisation's development.
The Honourable Angus MacIsaac
Minister of Health
Government of Nova Scotia
Your email of September 15, 2004, addressed to the Honourable Colin Hansen,
Minister of Health Services, has been referred to me for response.
As an Assistant Deputy Minister with the Ministry of Health Services, I
would like to add my moral support to the work you are undertaking for
people suffering from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
These conditions, like other chronic diseases, are complex and difficult to
manage, representing considerable burden to the people who live daily with
the symptoms. The range of efforts you have identified to support people
living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is admirable and we
wish you every success with these efforts.
Sincerely,
Anne Sutherland Boal
Assistant Deputy Minister
Clinical Innovation and Integration
British Columbia
I write in support of promoting an awareness campaign to help educate individuals about Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and multiple tender points. Fibromyalgia currently affects more than 1 million individuals across Canada.
Individuals are working hard to change the public image of Fibromyalgia, and gain support for this cause. I wish the organisation the best of luck with their plight to advancing the campaign, and educating the public.
Thomas W. Marshall, Q.C., MHA
Minister of Justice & Attorney General
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
More supporters, click the name to see the letter.
Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works & Government Services
Honourable Jean Augustine, P.C., M.P., , Minister of State for Status of Women
John Crichton, President & Chief Executive Officer, Nav Canada
You have asked me for my moral support for the over one million Canadian's battling Fibromylgia and Chronic fatigue Syndrome. As one of these one million Canadians and with thirty five years of leadership responsibility in Canada's Health Care System I am delighted to comply.
For most of my adult life I have lived with varying degrees of chronic pain and accordingly have great sympathy and empathy for anyone suffering with any of the symptoms of this affliction. Throughout this period I have had the same difficulties of finding relief through the various alternative coping strategies that seem to be the only remedy currently available in modern medicine. The skepticism of having to explain a medical condition not evident to onlookers by the tradition trappings of bandages and sutures is not new to me either.
So you see the moral support part is easy. In my professional life as a health care provider however the frustration is more profound. It would appear there is a long way to go before these syndromes are commonly recognized and accepted which is one step to finding lasting and meaningful relief, let alone a "cure".
While I will keep trying however, please rest assured this cause has both my physical and mental attention to say nothing of my full moral support.
Garry D. Cardiff
Chief Executive Officer
The Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
"I would like to wish you luck in your efforts to raise awareness, develop treatments, and build support networks for those suffering from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome."
Brian Foody
President
Iogen Corp.
"Plaudits on your coordinated effort to make Canadians aware of the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people in this country, and the critical need for research.
Three of my close friends have fibromyalgia; I see them try to lead normal lives in spite of the crippling pain; I see their despair that so few of us understand the depth of that pain, and the miniscule support for them in the community - or the country.
I've also seen the extraordinary effort undertaken by your organisation locally, and now across the country.
Best of luck, and count on this media outlet to back your undertaking."
Max Keeping
VP News & Public Affairs, & News Anchor
CJOH TV (CTV)
I would like to offer FM-CFS Canada, which is a nationally registered charity, my moral support in your
venture to rally the one million people afflicted with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
I would like to encourage research efforts in Canada to find the cause, the treatment and a cure for these
widespread illnesses.
I understand that FM-CFS Canada is engaged in a national effort to work with 35 patient self-help groups
across the country to present a national media campaign, with Public Service Announcements on TV, radio
and in print, with a national media campaign in parallel.
My personal thanks to you for all your community work. I wish you success on this important venture.
Claudia Chowaniec, PhD, CMC
President, Precept Inc.,
(former Chairs: National Museum of Nature; Greater Ottawa Chamber of Commerce)
Considering the on-going cases before me, I would agree that more could be done with regard to Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
It is disappointing that so little attention and funding is given to what appears to be a growing condition in Canada. It certainly would be advantageous if the Federal Government could invest more resources into this type of illness.
Speaking on behalf of my members, more funding, research and education into FM and CFS would certainly benefit all of us including members, employers and insurance carriers.
We certainly encourage the efforts of FM-CFS Canada in helping those afflicted with this illness in the search for a cure.
Derek Yakielashek
President
Canadian Auto Workers CAW 2245 ATS
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are devastating to individuals who daily struggle to enjoy a quality of life. It's impact affects the individuals physical and emotional health, lifestyle and financial security.
As an MLA, I was made aware of Fibromyalgia, ten years ago, when a constituent was attempting to receive CPP Disability and approached my office for help. Through this constituent and subsequent constituents, I became aware of many of the problems of diagnosis, treatment and recognition by other programs of the devastating effect of this condition on individuals. I am less aware of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but realize that it is another condition that is difficult to diagnose and greatly affects the life of the individual living with the condition as well as their families.
Both levels of government must be lobbied to ensure that this group of people receive quality services and treatment. The public also has to be educated about the condition and its affect on individuals.
I offer my heartfelt support to the individuals and their families who are struggling with these illnesses. Funding research is vital to finding the cause of these illnesses and ultimately a cure. Education and funding are also vital to treating these conditions and ensuring individuals have the greatest quality of life as possible.
I applaud your efforts in the fight against these illnesses.
June Draude, MLA
Kelvington-Wadena Constituency
Saskatchewan
Not that anything came of their support, here are two more letters presented to us in 2004:
As a family physician I have very much appreciated all your good work on behalf of the patients with FM and CFS. Keep up the great work.... you have my support....
The Honourable, Dr. Carolyn Bennett, P.C.
Minister of Public Health
Health care is an important personal issue for me. We must be proactive and
focus on preventative medicine as well as look after our ill who need
medical attention. I support the increased research that will find a cure
and better treatments, not only for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome, but for all debilitating and deadly illnesses that can affect our
population.
Sincerely,
Ujjal Dosanjh
Health Minister
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