International May 12th Awareness Day is an annual observance that takes place on May 12th to raise awareness about a group of chronic immunological and neurological diseases including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The day is also sometimes referred to as ME/CFS Awareness Day.
ME/CFS is a debilitating illness that affects an estimated 15-30 million people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, post-exertional malaise, and chronic pain, among others. Despite its significant impact on individuals and society, ME/CFS has long been under-recognized and underfunded.
May 12 was chosen as it coincided with the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the English army nurse who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross. Nightingale became chronically ill in her mid-thirties with a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)-like illness. She was often bedridden for the last 50 years of her life. Despite suffering from a debilitating illness, she managed to found the world’s first School of Nursing.
This website and social media pages are all part of a May 12th project run by Action CIND. Action CIND is a Canadian registered charity whose vision is to advance the recognition, empathy, treatment and support services for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) by raising awareness, advancing research, developing education, providing information and support services and collaborating with other organizations in Canada and internationally.
International May 12th Awareness Day was first observed in 1992 and has since become a global event that aims to increase awareness and understanding of ME/CFS. The day is marked by a range of activities, such as rallies, marches, social media campaigns, and educational events, organized by patient organizations, advocates, and supporters worldwide.
The observance of International May 12th Awareness Day has led to greater visibility and advocacy for ME/CFS, resulting in increased research funding, policy changes, and public recognition of the disease. However, much work remains to be done to improve the lives of people living with ME/CFS and to find effective treatments and a cure for the illness.
You can support our efforts by making a donation to Action CIND. Make your cheque payable to Action CIND and mail it to us at:
Action CIND
PO Box 99,
Brechin, ON
L0K 1B0
Canada
Or, you can make an online payment via our Donate page.
You can support us by becoming a supporter of Action CIND.
If you have any questions, please Contact Us.