Journal of IiME Volume 3 Issue 1 Lost Voices A A vviieeww ffrroomm OOll iivveerr ,, wwhhoossee oollddeerr ssiisstteerr hhaass sseevveerree MMEE "Lost Voices” is not just a book about ME/CFS, rather it is a book that has been created and written by the very people who experience the illness first hand; severe sufferers, their carers and their families. The combination of photographs, images and writing found in Lost Voices beautifully express the realities of the illness and its impact not only on the sufferers but on their friends and families as well, giving a voice to so many people who have been left to fight this debilitating illness in isolation. It does not just tell one person's story or even one family's story. Lost Voices brings together and shares the stories of many different individuals, families, carers and friends; each story unique, each story providing an insight into a world that has been invisible to most people for too long. Anyone who has suffered from or is still fighting ME/CFS will find Lost Voices a powerful and uplifting reminder that they are not alone, that there are so many others like them, fighting for recognition, fighting for understanding and fighting for fair and effective treatment. This is a book full of love, courage, hope and determination. This book is not just for those suffering from ME/CFS but is also for their carers, friends and family members. You can share the experiences of others who have been sucked into this hidden and isolated world. It provides an invaluable way of explaining this illness and its impact to those who are fortunate enough not to have experienced it first hand. Lost Voices contains contributions offering insight and expertise from leading figures in the ME/CFS research and support community. The forward has been written by Leonard Jason, former Vice President of IACFS/ME: - '...Lost Voices will help healthcare professionals and others become less Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) judgmental, and more tolerant and understanding of those with ME, for these are the voices of heroes... there were moments of wonder when I realized that these patients have something uniquely profound to share with a world so saturated with materialism... these patients are asking us to wake up from our stupor... Their courage and life affirming stories challenge us to act. Just as the Civil Rights and Women’s movements focused our attention on serious inequalities and the need for activism, so does Lost Voices force us to recognize the needs of children and adults with ME and to join the fight for a cure.' The introduction to Lost Voices is an invaluable asset for anybody who has ever tried to answer the question 'What is ME/CFS?' It examines some key areas of confusion which have resulted in misconceptions and ignorance about the nature and severity of the illness amongst the general public, the government and the medical profession. Cutting through this misunderstanding, the introduction to Lost Voices argues powerfully for a new biomedical focus on subgroups to drive future ME/CFS research and treatment. Lost Voices is a book to help others understand the hidden reality of life with severe ME; a book that allows one to feel the comfort of shared experience whether it be suffering, courage, love, hope or determination; a book with key information about ME; a book to be moved by; a book to enjoy. Please buy Lost Voices and use it to help fight the ignorance and injustice that results in so many ME sufferers struggling invisibly and unheard. The purpose of this book is to educate in the broadest possible sense and it is not being sold for profit by Invest in ME." Page 4/76 www.investinme.org
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