It was a very Colorado day with warm sunshine, then dark clouds threatening rain and then changing their minds, followed by sudden gusts of wind blowing our handout brochures around and knocking over the display boards. But it all worked out fine.
The shoes on the stairs, the ‘Ally Team Photos’ and MillionsMissing shoe story signs drew a lot of attention from passersby on Lincoln Ave. We had interesting conversations and shared some ME flyers with Capitol visitors.
Eric Moon and the Prairie Band from Parker started off the event with a musical set including Rob Thomas’ emotional ballad, ‘Her Diamonds’ bringing tears to some.
John debuted Facebook live for the first portion of the event. We were excited to have an international following.
We heard moving stories from several members about the challenges of living with ME. Jillene Moore told her own story. Alida Gowan read stories for Kris Paige of Livermore, CO and Wilhelmina Jenkins story about being a black woman seeking care for ME.
Our guest speakers included: Dr. Lila Rosenthal, Dr. Theodore Henderson, Wayne Connell and Jordana Griff Gingrass.
Dr. Lila Rosenthal spoke meaningfully about learning about the disease from her patients. She provided advice about how to work effectively with your doctor for mutual benefit.
Dr. Theodore Henderson is a psychiatrist who also treats Biological illnesses that present with psychiatric symptoms, including ME/cfs. He is also founder of the Neuro-Laser Foundation. He spoke about the effects of viruses on the brain and about treating infection triggered ME.
Wayne Connell, the Founder and President of the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), updated us on progress with the National Disability ID Initiative. The primary purpose of this designator is to alert law enforcement to a person’s non-apparent disability during a traffic stop, or other routine contact.
Xander Kelty on viola
Jordana Griff Gingrass is an attorney in Denver. After her long-time best friend became ill with ME, Jordana organized successful fundraisers to benefit Open Medicine Foundation, an organization which funds ME research.
Xander Kelty performed two lovely pieces on the viola.
Several posters displayed information about ME, stories from more of our members, and showed the MEAction Colorado activities of the past year .
Thank you to all who participated. And our thoughts went out to all our members who were unable to come. You were represented on shoe tags and stories on the story boards, and in our hearts.
More photos at this link.
MEAction Colorado 