Biking across USA for ME/cfs

Bertus Geertsema is riding the 4233 mile Transamerica Bicycle Trail from Astoria, OR to Yorktown,VA to raise awareness and research funding for ME/cfs (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome). He will be crossing into Colorado in a day or two. The route follows mostly rural two-lane highways. So far, he has ridden through Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming posting spectacular photos of his trip on his Instagram account @MultiVenturist.

“The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail was the first bicycle touring route to cross the U.S. It was developed and mapped by Adventure Cycling Association, and travels between Astoria, Oregon, and Yorktown, Virginia, along mostly rural, two-lane highways. The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail began as the route for Bikecentennial, a mass bicycle tour across the country to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976. The route was developed and mapped in the years preceding the event by volunteers and staff members of the organization Bikecentennial, which changed its name to Adventure Cycling Association in 1993. Over 4,100 cyclists rode at least part of the route during Bikecentennial, with 2,000 riding the entirety of the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.”

#MillionsMissing Denver Draws a Crowd

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.

What To Expect At #MILLIONSMISSING DENVER 2019 ?

WHEN – Saturday May 11, 1:00 to 4:00 pm

WHERE – Colorado State Capitol, 200 E. Colfax Ave, Denver

WHY – We are part of a global campaign (At least 93 events will be held during this week in USA, Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK, Australia, Japan and South Africa) for health equality for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. These events  bring attention to the need for huge increases in investment in medical research and medical training to treat ME.

INCREASED FUNDING FOR ME RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

This article was first published on the MEAction Global Network website.

Congressmembers Zoe Lofgren and Anna Eshoo, are currently asking for support from their fellow House Members for TWO requests that can increase funding for ME!

These requests would include:

1) Request $9.9 million for ME programs at the CDC (Labor-HHS committee)

2) Add ME to the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (Defense committee)

What our Hill champions are fighting for will take efforts for ME to the next level and in a direction that can be built and expanded upon – something we desperately need. The potential of increasing funding for ME programs by millions of dollars is a huge step. We ask you to urge your elected officials to sign on to the letters that our champions are fighting for!

UNREST in Denver March 2nd

Update  as/of 1:25 pm Thursday March 1:

Unrest is still on for tomorrow but stay tuned for any last minute weather updates.

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MEAction of Colorado is proud to present a screening of Unrest, a Sundance award-winning film by Jennifer Brea, with a panel discussion. Invite your friends, family, and doctors to join us!

The event will be held at 1:30 pm on March 2,2019 at the Co-Op at 1st at 5045 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80219-1005. Doors open at 1:00. Refreshments will be served after. Come early to check out the indoor farmer’s market!