A special thank you to the National CFIDS Foundation for allowing us to include their list in this compilation.

The following is a list compiled by The National CFIDS Foundation of people who have died. The list is © but may be used with our permission. To submit additional names, please e-mail gailronda@aol.com or write The National CFIDS Foundation with, if possible, the name, dates of birth and death, place and cause of death, and any additional information you feel is appropriate.

We request that anyone wishing to reprint this list include the copyright, our organization's name and address (National CFIDS Foundation, Inc., 103 Aletha Rd., Needham, MA 02492-3931 USA). By compiling this list, we hope to make people more fully aware of the seriousness of CFIDS/ME. Medical communities, media, and governments understand neither how debilitating the illness is nor how those with it suffer. The United States National Institutes of Heath are not keeping track of the morbidity and mortality rates, although many have died and many more if more is not done. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim there have not been deaths reported to them.

Please help us add the names you know of to this list. We are grateful for the help of William Young, who began the list and who compiled a great number on this list. Many of these people died of secondary illnesses attributed to CFIDS/ME. Medical doctors have pointed out that excruciating pain is the foremost reason that others have chosen to take their own lives. The majority of these patients did not have the medical care they needed; they suffered unremitting pain with little hope of relief or comfort. We acknowledge their suffering and hope that they have not died in vain. We remember the following in loving memory:

Rhonda Amen: Female. Age and cause of death unknown. Long term patient.

Marie Anderson: Taken from BRAME (Blue Ribbon Awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis).

Anonymous: 48 year-old female. Date of death unknown. Had CFIDS/ME for years, diagnosed less than a year before death. Cause of death: aortic aneurysm. (Source: CFIDS/ME support group leader.)

Anonymous: 42 year-old female. Date of death unknown. Had CFIDS/ME for 7 years. Cause of death: ulceric gastritis, died in hospital. Occupation: Ph.D. in computer programming and systems analysis. (Source: Letter from CFIDS/ME support group leader.)

Anonymous: 32 year-old female. Date of death unknown. Cause of death: suicide due to unbearable pain. Occupation, mother of three small children. (Source: Letter from CFIDS/ME support group leader.)

Anonymous: 19 year-old female. Died 1986. Cause of death: severe, progressive ME. (Source: letter from family member.)

Anonymous: 45 year-old male. Died April 1997 from complications of CFIDS/ME. Occupation: photographer with many interests. (Source: Support group leader and friend of deceased.)

Anonymous: Female, age, date of death unknown. Cause of death: "had a sensory pain of burning, almost scalding...lost bowel and bladder function...overdosed trying to relieve pain..." (Source: Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D. during questions following a lecture, 1996.)

Anonymous: Age, sex, date of death unknown. Cause of death: "...so severe that she was in a nursing home at age 29 and died from an intercurrent infection." (Source: Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D. during questions following a lecture, 1996.)

Anonymous: Sex, date of death unknown. Cause of death: "infections with poor nutrition and poor self care...was hospitalized, (and died)...suspect cardiac arrythmyias..." (Source: Paul Cheney, M.D., Ph.D.: questions following lecture, 1996.)

Anonymous: Female in 40s. Cause: Suicide. (Source: phone call from her friend.)

Anonymous: Age unknown. Died October 28, 1999 from complications of CFIDS. This male patient contracted CFIDS from his daughter 3-4 years prior to his death. Both had high EBV titres. Death was attributed to malignant lymphoma caused by a herpes virus. (Source: daughter of deceased.)

Rebecca Badger: Female, age, cause of death unknown.

Gloria Baker: 53 year-old female. Died Dec. 1994. Had CFIDS/ME for 10 years. Gloria had been one of the earliest Ampligen trial patients. She had, at the time of her death, lost control of all bodily functions. Cause of death: gunshot wound. Suicide has been questioned by friends.

Caroline Barry, 27, was found in a dead in a churchyard in March of 2001. Caroline, a resident of England, had been battling M.E. for years. She was simply loved by her parents, her partner, and her cat.

Penny Barshied: died 1985. Cause of death attributed to a brain tumor. Although Penny was never diagnosed with ME/CFIDS, she became sick at the same time as her husband and was successfully treated with a herpes drug at the NIH that allowed her to live years longer. Her husband, a PWME/C was an advocate in the very early days of "CFIDS." Penny was a schoolteacher and the two teachers who taught with her in the same classroom also developed brain tumors at the same time. From the newest information we have learned about this illness, we feel comfortable adding Penny's name to our Memorial List. (Source: husband, Robert)

Lisa Beach lost her battle with ME between Januray 10 and 14 of 2001. Lisa lived in Homestead, Florida and was had fibromyalgia along with many other health problems including ashthma and diabetes.. When one support group leader tried to contact her and received no answer from this homebound patient, she went to her home, only to contact police who found her in her bed where death had taken her. No autopsy was performed.

Anitta Bliss, not yet 40, January 18, 2000 "after a long and painful struggle against CFIDS/ME." Anitta was a resident of San Jose, California and a member of The National CFIDS Foundation, Inc.. She leaves her parents and a sister, Jean, and a fiancée, Justin Milliun. (Source: family friend)

Elise Bomford died in mid January from CFIDS/ME related lymphoma. Elsie belonged to the ME Victoria Association in Canada. She affected many with "her quiet strength and generous warmth." She was 74. (Source: Margaret Sherwood)

Margie Boon: 52 year-old female. Died Mar. 27, 1996. Long-term patient. Cause of death: Sub-dermal hematoma. Founder of Sierra Vista CFIDS Support Group. (Source: letter from friend.)

Eric W. Booth, M.D. 48 year-old male. Died June 18, 1995. Had CFIDS/ME for 16 years. Cause of death: cardiac dysrhythmia, cryptogenic myocardial fibrosis. Occupation: Radiologist. Despite illness, campaigned for research and better treatments. Wrote in 1991, "I have been very seriously ill for the last five years... Despite my feeling this way, I am unable to convey this to my medical colleagues...I have come to believe that physicians suffer from "compassion fatigue." (Source: BMJ, Vol. 311, 28 Oct 1995 and Death Certificate.)

Donna Brewer: Female: Age and date of death unknown. Cause of death: heart failure. Western North Carolina CFIDS Support and Advocacy Group Leader. (Source: letter from support group.)

Kathleen Briglio: Female: age unknown. Died July 1996. Cause of death: Brain tumor. Active member and former president of the ME Victoria Association.

Chris Brown got ME when she was 31 and died after many years of the illness in December of 1999. She was taken to the hospital and, it was reported, "simply stopped breathing." Her physician believes it was her heart. After many years of battling pain, Chris leaves her daughter, Michelle, also an ME patient, and her husband. Chris lived in New Zealand. (Source: Australia's Country Network.)

Judy Brown: Female, age unknown. Died 24 Aug. 1996. Long term CFIDS/ME patient. Cause of death: self induced drug overdose. (Source: The Fitness Report, September, 1996.)

Chris Butler died in 1999 after struggling with ME/CFIDS for years and the death was reported in the Country Network newsletter of Australia.

Brenda Calabrese, a long-term ME/CFIDS patient died of breast cancer late in 1999. Brenda was a resident of Massachusetts who found her physical deterioration forced her to move in with her mother for help. Brenda will be missed by her family and fellow patients. (Source: PWME/CFIDS friend.)

Mary Louise Cardillo: Female in early 40s. Died July 1995. Cause of death: autopsy revealed nothing. Died in hospital. When her physician, Anthony Komaroff, M.D., requested samples and sent them to another laboratory, high levels of HHV6 were found. A warm and brave person who so wanted to enjoy life. (Source: letter and test results from surviving parents, friends.)

Carol Graham Chudley. Died May, 1998 of a freak accident after years of suffering from ME/CFS. Carol was born in Illinois but became a Canadian citizen in 1967. A gifted potter, gardener, and author, one can read of her suffering in Between Gardens, published in 1999 by Polestar Book Publishers of Canada.

Kathie Claar: 52 year-old female: Died Aug. 24 1996. Long term CFIDS/ME patient. Cause of death: self-induced drug overdose. Oak Harbor, WA, USA. (Source: letter from friend.)

Bess Clark died in 1999 after a long struggle with cancer. A support group leader and a warm and compassionate person, Bess taught her group how to have fun while barely functioning. (Source: Dolores Hudson)

Theodore Cocaine, 36. Died Dec. 1998. Cause of death: massive coronary.

Diane M. Comeau, 49, died in mid-August of 2001. She had just turned 49 in May. Diane was in ICU for 10 days with an abcess in her groin and her body became sepsis. Tests and scans showed nothing. Diane had suffered for most of her life with ME/CFIDS and FMS. She was a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol where she was valued for her dedication. "She gave 100% to cadets," said a relative. A memorial service in Arizona honored her with a fly-by. A close friend remarked that she never let her pain hold her back. Her mother, Barbara Murray, also suffers from this disease. In addition to her parents, Diane left 4 brothers, David, Gary, Stephen, and Richard. Continuing to help others even after death, donations have been requested to go toward research via The National CFIDS Foundation, Inc.

Greg Cooper died at age 40 of causes unrelated to his ME/CFIDS in March of 2000. Greg leaves a daughter and many members of his support group in California who miss him. He was on an experimental trial of Ampligen but found it was not a help and had adverse effects.

Cynthia Coultier: Female, age unknown. Died 1998 from complications of CFIDS/ME. Tested highly positive to chlamydia pneumonia but her physician refused suggested treatment for this. Left two sons and grandchildren. Although Cynthia had owned her own business, she was not eligible for any disability. (Source: Support group leader of National CFIDS Foundation.)

Andrea Cunnigham died at aged 46. She had myalgic encephalomyelitis since 1988 and was diagnosed with cancer in early 1997. She died just a few weeks after this last diagnosis. From Wales, UK, Andrea was in touch with sufferers from all over the UK sharing information and support before the internet became popular. Her passing was a huge shock to many of her friends. (Source: Laura Jones)

Judith Curren: 42 year-old female. Died Aug. 1996. Cause of death: Suicide with assistance of Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Occupation: Registered nurse. Left husband, 2 small children. Was totally bedridden, paralyzed on one side. Had a wonderful sense of humor. Husband stopped her first attempt to meet with Dr. Kevokian but she insisted she did not want to die in a nursing home. Her husband, a physician, had to move out of state following the publicity following her death. They were Massachusetts residents. (Source: personal friend, newspaper articles.)

Stephen S. Czerkas, a long-term patient, took his own life on January 10,1999 to escape the poverty, pain, and legal hassles brought on by this illness. Donald Scott, founder of Common Cause, said Steve's wife had left him as do many partners of patients.

Skye Dailor: 14 year-old female. Died Sept. 1, 1990. Cause of death: heart attack caused by lethal dose of pills following taunts by classmates. Her physician, David S. Bell, M.D., FAAP, dedicated his first book in her memory.

Mike Delano: 47 year-old male. Died Mar 14, 1997. Cause of death: Kidney failure. Occupation: Football and basketball star. (Source: CFIDS/ME support group leader.)

Lyn Drysdale: female: Died 1995. (Source: BRAME.)

Lorna Duncan: Died May 99. Had ME and developed Cancer. She was on The Board of Directors for the ME Victoria Association.

Elizabeth Egerton, 42 years old, died suddenly on Feb. 7, 2000, while under anesthsia for a minor operation. Elizabeth had ME/CFIDS for 10 years and is sadly missed by both family and friends. She was a quiet and caring person. (Source: Alison Kennedy.)

Joseph Fiducia, M.D.: male, age unknown. Died 1980s by own hand. Gynecologist who began seeing CFIDS/ME patients following his own illness. Voluntary support group leader and advocate.

Kevin Foley: was in his early 40s and living in Tennessee with ME/CFIDS. He had improved enough to work part-time but did not know alcohol would interfere with his medications. The death of this long-term patient was an unintended consequence.

John Gakingsway: died early in 2000 from complications of CFIDS. John was the founder of a "CFS/Fibro Support Group" on the internet for patients in the state of Georgia. His group, "Peaches," is still going strong today. He was forced to move back to Michigan when his condition deteriorated and spent his last Christmas with his granddaughters. (Source: Wife and fellow PWME/C, Karen)

Ray Gardner: Male, age unknown. Died 1993. Died from complications of CFIDS/ME. Loving father, husband. (Source: support group leader in Massachusetts.)

Christine Geifing died in 1996 after a long struggle with ME/CFIDS. (Source: BRAME)

Myra Gray Goodman: female, died Feb. 4, 1995. Was a feature writer for Boston Herald, support group leader in Vermont. Died of heart complications due to CFIDS/ME. (Source: husband, Lee Dana Goodman.)

Barbara Gove: female in early 40s. Died 1994 at Framingham, MA hospital. Cause of death: atypical pneumonia usually seen in AIDS. (Source: Support group leader.)

Mrs. Joseph Griggs: female, age/date of death unknown. Cause of death: toxoplasmosis and bacterial infection of brain. (Source: letter.)

Janeen Guidry: female, about 50 years-old. Died 1994 of causes unknown. (Source: letter from family member.)

Keshan Gunawardena, 13, and his mother, Dinesha, 45, both died of an overdose of a prescribed drug in April of 2001. Dinesha was an accountant for British Airways before she became ill with ME/CFIDS. Keshan was a student at England’s Eton where he was considered to be a brilliant scholar who had won a scholarship the previous year. Dinesha and her husband came from Sri Lanka in the 1970’s. He was a physician and the director of a clinical research company. A British tabloid, The Guardian, attributed her action to depression.

Charles Thomas Halder: 72 year-old male. Date and cause of death unknown. Long-term patient. (Source: family member.)

Jean Hardy: female, mid-50s, cause of death: suicide citing disability and pain. (Source: CFIDS/ME support group leader and friend.)

Jhan Hiber, 53, died on October 4, 2000 by his own hand in Anchorage, Alaska, after receiving news of his declining health. John moved, as a child, to Alaska. He had epilepsy since birth, developed rheumatoid arthritis and ME/CFIDS and, in the 90s was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). He was participating in experimental treatments after spending two decades in radio and television media, primarily in sports broadcasting. Living in Carmel, CA seeking treatment and unable to work since 1991, he was attending a media convention in Alaska. He is survived by his brother, Tom Bowles, sister Barbara Stuart, and son David Gohrband. (Source: Kathleen Houghton)

Betty Ann Hirschfeld: female, 43 years-old. Died July 24, 1989. Long term patient. Cause of death: took her own life. (Source: family member.)

Susan Hodge: Female: age, date, and cause of death unknown.

Michael Hunt, 16, was a talented soccer player who was unable to play due to M.E. He fell from a bridge and was hit by a train. Michael had recovered and was able to play his favorite sport once more when he relapsed again. Michael was from England and his young life was ended in October of 1998. (Source: CAME)

Alison Hunter struggled with many years as a child with ME/CFIDS in Australia. She died at age 19 of complications of the disease. A foundation was named in her memory. Allie's dream was that every young person with ME/CFIDS would not be alone. A section of The National Forum is called "Allie's Garden" for news of young people with ME/CFIDS.

Telbert C. Hutchison: 60 year-old male. Died Mar 16, 1997. Cause of death: Mitral valve prolapse as consequence of long-term CFIDS/ME. Occupation: photographer. (Source: family member.)

Joan Luther Irvine: 49 year-old female. Died Sept. 5, 1996 in Senoma, AZ. A nine year survivor of CFIDS/ME. Cause of death: complications of CFIDS/ME by an overdose of a prescription medicine to which she knowingly was allergic. Ms. Irvine wrote her own obituary, citing "CFIDS complications" as the cause. She also wrote, "I have no qualms about the quality and wonderment and beauty of my life. I had the best of lives -- a good, active, and productive life for 41 years. Who could ask for more? Lover of truth and humankind, of all living things. Avid hiker, backpacker, tennis player, swimmer, and walker." She wrote letter she received from CDC warning against donating blood but a national group refused to publicize the letter. (Source: The Desert Sun, Oct. 5, 1996 and e-mail written before her death.)

Joy Jefferson: female in 40s. Died Oct. 1997. Tested extremely high to chlamydia pneumonia but lost her valiant battle with CFIDS/ME. She left a husband and many friends in New Mexico who described her as brilliant and caring. (Source: friend.)

Linda Jenkins: 42 year-old female. Died Apr. 20, 1996. Cause of death: heart attack. Death attributed to complications from CFIDS/ME. (Source: support group leader.)

Denise Jerry: Female in forties. Date of death unknown. Cause of death: heart attack attributed to CFIDS/ME. Co-leader of Massachusetts support group, founder and leader of Plattsburg CFIDS group. (Source: phone call from support group member.)

Nancy Johnson, 62, died on Mother's Day, 2001, after decades of battling ME/CFIDS with dignity and courage. Nancy was diagnosed in1986 and spent years trying to help others. She was a support group leader in North Carolina who put out a newletter and worked tirelessly advocating for the illness. She was helped and supported by her husband, Ralph, who remained a constant caregiver and supporter. Less than three years ago, she was diagnosed with lung cancer. Wrote a friend, "Sometimes her chemo and cancer pain screamed louder than her ME/CFIDS but it was always there. On the days when most cancer patients would have been able to get out or feel better, Nancy had the double duty of then dealing with her ME." In her husband's words, Nancy was "a very special person." In addition to her husband, Nancy was survived by adult children.

Dorothy Kayner: female, died 1998 of cancer. An active advocate until she was too ill to participate. (Source: Chicago support group newsletter.)

Kathleen Kelly: Female, age unknown. Died Mar 1996 from suicide. In a note, she wrote that she died from CFIDS/ME. "I can't go anywhere and don't have a moment free of pain. I'm not so much depressed as I am angry because the medical profession is too wrapped up in saving money (rather than) people." (Source: CFIDS support group newsletter.)

Anne Marie Kennedy: 40s female. Died Aug. 1998 "after a long bout with breast cancer and bone cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Ann Marie had taught French, English, and general studies for many years in Massachusetts and Ohio. She was an accomplished pianist and was also known for her talents as a painter and sketch artist. A friend wrote: "There are no words to describe her long and valiant struggle, nor the courage and commitment of her mother...I'll always remember Ann Marie... confined to a wheelchair, but beautiful and golden and ethereal and charming..." (Source: Boston College Alum notes.)

David Killingbeck: Male, age unknown. Died Sept. 1996. Had CFIDS/ME for 9 years. Died from complications of CFIDS in Victoria, Australia. (Source: letter.)

Joanne Kruger died of complications of ME/CFIDS in 1996. (Source: BRAME)

Paul Lavenger, M.D.: male, died 1995. Disabled by CFIDS/ME since 1989, two years after his wife got CFIDS/ME. Outspoken about government's negligence. Cause of death: colon cancer.

Inez Lehrer died in her sleep during the summer of 2000 from an aneurysm. She was a five year sufferer of ME/CFIDS and had MCS as well. Although she lived in Pebble Beach, her son made her funeral arrangements in Tampa, Florida. Inez's death was reported by her support group, the CFS/FMS/ME Support Group for the Central Coast (California) but she had been too ill to attend the group's meetings.

James S. LeRoy, 47. Died April 5, 1999 of unknown causes. Contracted CFIDS/MCS in October of 1982. Went on disability in 1993. Was formally a software consultant. Married another CFIDS patient, Sarah, in 1994. James worked tirelessly to help others with CFIDS/MCS and many now say, "He changed my life." James is missed for his love, laughter, strength, intelligence, and skills by his wife, his parents, two sisters, and 23 nieces and nephews. (Source: Sarah LaBelle, widow)

Martin Lev: Male, died 1992. (Source: BRAME)

Priscilla Loanes: Female. Died 1992 by her own hand. Was Boston's first support group leader and she is still missed by many of her friends.

Nancy Lou Loe: 56 year-old female. Died June 25, 1994. Cause of death: unknown. North Sound CFIDS Support Network Leader, she wrote shortly before her death, "The guilt, shame, and suggestion of others that there was nothing wrong were destroying me more than the illness." (Source: Newspaper obit and letter by Nancy.)

Amy Long, a long-term patient with CFIDS. Died late 1980-s by her own hand. Was one of the original eleven to be put on Ampligen on a pilot trial by HEM Pharmaceuticals. Amy was an acutely severe patient.

Glenn Marcus: male in early 20s, 1994. Cause: Unknown. Autopsy showed stomach seemingly exploded with bits found throughout body. Died in his sleep while attending college part-time in California. A Massachusetts resident, he had CFIDS/ME since a young teen. Remembered as a warm, cheerful youth with many unfulfilled dreams. Survived by one older brother and parents. A memorial fund that distributed library books in his name was established. (Source: parents, support group leader.)

Leslie A. Masewicz of Del Mar, CA, died in October of 1999 due to the harassment and badgering of UNUM, her long-term disability company, combined with the ravages of her illness. Leslie was scheduled to make a TV appearance in the spring of 1999 but became too frightened. In 1997, she had written the Department of Labor about her abuse and asked, "How is this horrific activity allowed to happen and to continue?" Leslie was diagnosed with ME/CFIDS.

Jim Maude: male, age, date of death unknown. Cause of death: Liver and spleen damage due to CFIDS/ME. New York City resident, had been employed in a workplace where seven people now suffer from CFIDS/ME. (Source: colleague letter.)

George S. Ascott May: Male, 39 years-old. Died Sept. 6, 1995. Cause of death: unknown. Occupation: airline rated pilot and printing specialist. (Source: letter from friend and obit.)

Lois McAtee: 52 year-old female. Died 1992. Cause of death: lymphoma attributed to CFIDS/ME. Long-term care nurse. Her two daughters, one grandchild, and one niece also have CFIDS/ME.

Kathleen "Kitty" Meeks, 54, died on March 24, 2001. She valiantly fought a battle against both breast cancer and ME/CFIDS for many years. Kitty lived in southern California and was active in her cancer support group. Her sister, Vivien Haynes, an ME/CFIDS activist, felt it hypocritical to complain about her own pain when her sister had battled cancer as well as ME/CFIDS with FMS. She is greatly missed.

Kara Ann Menowske, 36, died June 3, 2001 of complications from from myalgic encephalomyelitis. Kara graduated Kathryn Gibbs and worked for an investment firm until what appeared to be an ongoing "flu" forced her to stop working nealy 10 years ago. An autopsy was inconclusive. The wimpering of Kara's dog alerted her mother who found Kara dead. Kara left her parents, a sister, and brother, all of Massachusetts. Donations in her memory have gone to research through the National CFIDS Foundation.

Harry Metsemakers, a patient who was online with a group for the United Kingdom's ME patients, died on July 2nd of a sudden heart attack. "Harry was warm and caring and reached out to many others," a friend of his told us. He left a wife and grown children. His widow passed on his medical books to his friend, John. Harry is acutely missed.

Daryl Milam died in the fall of 1999. A member of the Anderson Area CFIDS/FM Support Group, she had breast cancer and another form of cancer, both thought to be a result of her ME/CFIDS. A mother and grandmother, Ann was 53 and lived in South Carolina. (Source: support group leader.)

Laura Reina Milgrim, 68, a long-term patient with ME, died in mid-March, 2001, of pneumonia which lead to blood poisoning, a complication of ME. Laura was a caring, vibrant person who spent years trying to have physicians and researchers take an interest in ME. Laura had an adult son, John, but died weeks before her first grandchild was born. In her obituary from The New York Times, Laura was called "Manhattan's lady of dignity and grace." She danced the Opera Ball in Vienna, toured with Bob Hope in the USO, explored the globe and loved the Yankees. In constant pain, Laura had an unconquerable soul that fought to the end. A member of The National CFIDS Foundation since its inception, she is greatly missed by many friends.

Nit Minsik: Female, died 1997. A committed activist from Australia. (Source: ME/CFIDS newsletter.)

Beverly Morin: Female, age unknown. Died 1994. Cause of death: Complications attributed to CFIDS/ME. (Source: support group leader.)

Jean A. Morwick, 56, died on December 29, 2000, after a five week hospitalization for complications of ME/CFIDS. Jean had been battling connective tissue damage to the spine, lymphodema, and other long-term effects of ME/CFIDS. She had been housebound for the last ten years of her life following an onset when she was 30 years old. Jean was a member of the National CFIDS Foundation since its inception and helped with advocacy as much as her health permitted. She was a source of comfort to many with the illness, never hesitating to give time to others. Although she was unable to work, she kept up many interests, had penpals from all over the world, and kept as active as was possible. Jean, from Scituate, Massachusetts, was survived by her parents, although her father died just months later. She also is survived by one brother. Many of our members miss Jean.

Alison Kramer Murphy: female, 45 years-old. Died 1998. Was a special education teacher but was sick for many years. Died of "unknown causes" while under a hospital's care. Left one son. (Source: obit and person friend.)

Janis Murphy: Female, age, date of death unknown. Cause of death: seizure attributed to CFIDS/ME.

Carolyn Musca, a long term ME patient died in 1990 from a sudden melanoma. Carolyn was the author of "The Artist, The Egg, and the Illness." She was an artist that used Egg Tempera and lived in Western Australia. (Source: Australia's Country Network.)

Terri Opsitnick, 46, died suddenly of ME/CFIDS complications in October of 2001. The coroner's report said her adult-onset asthma restricted her breathing during sleep which restricted oxygen to the brain during REM sleep. One of Terri's three young children found her in their San Bernadine County home. Brandon, Mac, and Theresa have been taken to Pennsylvania to live following their mother's death. Terri's pain was most pronounced and she was active online with FMS groups.

Princess Leila Pahlavi, 31, died on June 10, 2001 of what the newspapers called "the rare disease myalgic encephalomyelitis." The youngest daughter of the late deposed shah of Iran, she was a child when the Ayatollah Khomeini took over country. Leila graduated from Brown University and spent years living in Connecticut. She was a resident of London when she died. Her mother resides in Paris where Leila was buried. Aside from one brother, nobody mentioned "M.E.," but preferred to blame her suffering on "depression," although she had been sick for six years. The physician who prescribed for her in London was being investigated for overprescribing. Cocaine and seconal was found in her blood.

Wendy Peters: female, 34 years-old. Had CFIDS for 16 years. Cause of death: Epstein-Barr Virus (according to obit). Wendy died while a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital. Rockport, MA. (Source: parent.)

George Pollack, 80's, from Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia, died in 2001. George was a quiet man with dignity who often felt the profound isolation of myalgic encephalomyelitis while living in his remote country town. He leaves a sister who is suffering from cancer and a small dog who was his companion for years. (Source: Country Network of Northern Rivers ME/CFS/FM Support Association, Inc. of NSW)

Michele Porcoro: female, age and date of death unknown. Had CFIDS/ME for over 5 years. Cause of death: liver failure caused by overdose of acetaminophen. (Source: letter from friend.)

Connie Pruit died late in 1999 leaving her husband and family. A member of the Anderson CFIDS/FM Support Group, she was a long-term ME/CFIDS patient and is missed by her family and friends. (Source: support group leader.)

Gilda Radner: female, died early 90s. Diagnosed with CFIDS by Dr. Anthony Komaroff, died of ovarian cancer. Actress and comedienne.

Joanne Redumis: Female, age 33. Died Feb. 22, 1999. Dedicated activist who gave support and encouragement to others in Texas. Cause of death: unknown but attributed to ME/CFIDS.

Doris Reed: female, age unknown. Died Aug. 1996 in Norwood, PA. Was a long-term patient. Cause of death: suicide. (Source: friend, support group leader.)

Stuart Reid died suddenly in early 2000. Stuart was president of the ME Victoria Association (Canada) and a dedicated volunteer worker. He leaves his wife, Pauline and family. (Source: Hellie McLelland)

Dennis Reublin: male, age unknown. Died 1998 by his own hand. Caring and astute, he tried to buck the system and was frustrated time and again by the uneducated and unbelieving. A resident of New Mexico. (Source: a friend.)

Grace Rofe, an ME patient from Australia, died in mid-June of 1999 from an apparent heart attack although previous heart problems were unknown. Grace, in her 60's, had attended a support group just a few days before her untimely death. (Source: Journal of ME/CFS Country Network in Australia.)

Ann Roy died 1994 at age 62. A resident of Quebec,Canada, Bee had CFS/FMS for many years. She was so cognitively impaired that she would go out for a walk and her niece would often have to go find her to bring her home. On one walk, in 1994, she got so disoriented that she walked into the path of a city bus and died from the resulting impact.

Sabrina _____, 42, took her own life after being a long-term sufferer of ME/CFIDS, undergoing a quadruple bypass, and then developing an infection that wasn't treated correctly. She leaves her husband, Rich, and a teenaged son, Jarrod. (Source: WECAN)

Carl Salie: male, age unknown. Died Feb. 26, 1996. Cause of death: heart failure attributed to CFIDS/ME. (Source: letter from support group leader.)

Irma Rita Sandoz: female approximately 50 years old. Died March 1993. Cause of death: cancer, heart disease, diabetes, CFIDS/ME. Volunteered in Lafayette CFIDS support group. (Source: support group leader.)

Crystal Sedberry: female, age unknown. Died March 23, 1995. Cause of death: breast cancer. Had CFIDS/ME for many years. Occupation: Licensed Vocational Nurse. (Source: letter from a friend.)

Shelia ______: female in her twenties. Died June 1997. Cause of death: suicide. (Source: CFS-L posting.)

Susan Simon: Female, approx. 50. Died 1993. Long term CFIDS/ME patient. Cause of death: hit by a truck while crossing the street in her wheelchair in NYC when planning to see a lawyer about suing the NIH's Stephen Straus. (Source: Osler's Web by Hillary Johnson.)

Donna Singletary died in February of 2001 from severe complications of ME/CFIDS. Donna, a long-term patient, thought she was having a panic attack at home and asked her husband to pray for her. He performed CPR. An autopsy showed a cardiac embolism was the cause. An active member of her support group, Donna was caring and loving, calling those in particular need often. Her husband, at her funeral, recalled how he had given her a kiss when he was six years old and they were at a playground, and then ran! He learned not to run and was very supportive of her and the immense pain that she suffered. Donna leaves her husband, Ron, two sons and a granddaughter, Samantha.

Margaret Slahoe, DMD, was 43 and died on March 31, 1999. She had been a PWC since 1992 and died of CFIDS related causes after a lengthy illness, according to the obituary. Her doctor was one who didn't believe in CFIDS/ME and would not prescribe the necessary pain medication. A good friend believes Peg died due to the ignorance of the medical community. Peg lived in Pennsylvania. (Source: telephone call and obituary)

Arnold Smith died of complications of ME/CFIDS in 1994 and is remembered in the Forget Me Not list of BRAME's representatives in Australia.

Sharyn Smith: female in her fifties. Died May 1997. Had CFIDS/ME between 10 and 20 years. Cause of death: Massive coronary. Had been house-bound for many years with no history of coronary problems. New Hampshire resident. (Source: support group leader from NH)

Barbara Staples, a long-term CFIDS/ME/FMS patient in her 40s died of an apparent blood clot following a severe fracture of her leg on September 28, 1999. Barbara was known online for her eloquent posts to lists and had a number of good friends. Just before her death, she had moved with her family from E. Sandwich, Massachusetts to West Virginia. She is sorely missed by both those in the patient community as well as her family. Barbara was a member of The National CFIDS Foundation.

Philip Stoller, who had ME/CFIDS for 5 years, died in 2000 of diabetes, which was undiagnosed. His wife hopes that his death was not in vain and that physicians will look beyond ME/CFIDS for other diseases or conditions. Philip was from Arizona.

Charles Striffler: male, age unknown, date of death unknown. Died of massive liver and spleen damage in NYC, NY. He had been employed at a workplace where seven other people now suffer from CFIDS/ME. (Source: letter from a colleague.)

Donna Sundberg: female, age unknown. Died Nov. 1995. Cause of death: lethal ingestion of narcotics and analgesics. (Source: CFS newsletter.)

Ted ____ was an extremely thin CFIDS/ME patient who had no prior heart problems. He was a member of the Worcester, MA CFIDS/FMS Support Group and a long-term patient who died of a massive coronary. (Source: support group leader.)

Tracy Temp: female, 46 years old. Died Sept. 26, 1991. Cause of death: self-induced overdose. Occupation: special education teacher. (Source: Living Hell, a documentary film.)

Rabbi Chana Timoner: female, 46 years old. Died 1988. First woman rabbi to be an active army chaplain . An outspoken advocate for oppressed, she was forced to leave the army after the onset of CFIDS/ME. Cause of death: suicide. (Source: newspaper obits, NY Times, Hartford Current.)

Karen Lynn Walker: female, 46 years old. Died March, 1993. She fought for a diagnosis, for disability, for treatment. A warm, active, caring artist, she willed 1/3 of her estate to help others with this illness. The money went to CFIDSERS, the CFIDS Emergency Relief Services, and to the National CFIDS Foundation where they established a research fund in her memory.

Candace Diardi Weinrich, 45, of Littleton, CO, died early in August of 2001. Candace had ME/CFIDS/FMS and struggled to have a rewarding life. Candace touched many people with her unique wit. A pianist in her spare time, Candace was an engineer specializing in microchip design. Her family requested donations to the Candace Dinardi Memorial Fund be sent to CFIDSERS, a worthwhile charity.

Sandra L. Welker died on November 24, 1995 of a brain tumor. She was 36 and would have been eligible for gene therapy (anti-herpes drugs) within weeks. Her sister, within a few years, was diagnosed with ME/CFIDS. Sandra had gioblastoma multiform and lived just over 100 days after her diagnosis.

Lyn Wenzell, 57, had her life taken from her by her husband of 29 years. Lyn was able to work despite suffering from fibromyalgia. Her husband was found guilty of second degree murder. Lynn died in July of 1999.

Deborah D. Williams died in the late winter of 1999 by her own hand. She was from Pasadena, CA, got poor medical care and was a long-term PWC. (Source: CA support group leader.)

Dave Winslow was a long-term PWC who died of a massive coronary in May of 1999. He was in his early 40s and had lost his job, wife, and family due to his illness. He had seen his doctor just days before his death with no indications of prior cardiac problems. Dave was in his early 40s and died in May of 1999. He was a resident of Massachusetts. (Source: The National Forum)

Marie Vale: Date of death unknown. Died at age 47 from leukemia, now believed to be a complication of ME/CFIDS. Marie was the director of internal affairs for NASA with a high security clearance. She went to the NIH (National Institutes of Health) in 1982 for a diagnosis but was given none. In 1986, she got a copy of her records that indicated she had "Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus," now known as CFS. A few days before her death, she told a friend that this was being covered up from "very high up." (Source: close friend who now suffers from ME/CFIDS.)

Jackie Veeke died at age 39 on April 11, 2000 of a pulmonary embolus. Jackie was one of the founders of the Evanston, Illinois chapter of ME/CFIDS in the mid 80s and was a co-leader of the group as well as having accepted a voluntary position with the state group when she died. She was a registered nurse yet found, with her illness, many friends and family members did not understand her pain and suffering.

© 2000 National CFIDS Foundation, Inc.

The above reprinted with permission.. website: http://www.ncf-net.org/general/memorial.htm

Following are names given to the Invisible No More Organization. Please take a moment of silence to remember them.

Sherryl Atkinson, 50, CA, September 2001. A long-term activist, Sherryl succumbed to a viral pneumonia, a complication of CFIDS.

Donald Frehe, 2000, Illinois

Sam Davis, age unknown, Ill. 2000

Sherryl Jefferies -

Greg, age unknown, support group leader in California 1999

William H., suicide, 2001

Helen Jubb, Fibromyalgia sufferer, 1998, California

Dorothy Kayner, age unknown, 1999, Illinois

Dianne Landry, Age unknown,Beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend. Loved by her online support group FMSupport. Her favorite saying was: "When I go, do not mourn my death, celebrate my life." FMS sufferer who succumbed to heart attack in Nov. 2001

Jim LeRoy, age unknown, 1999, Illinois

Liz Noel, 40, FMS and lupus, Died Jan. 2000 possible medication interaction (beloved member of FMSupport and Host of TLC Tender LUPUS care) complications

Patricia Page, Dec. 2001, Patricia, retired RN, died suddenly of heart complications following years of living with Fibromyalgia and CFIDS.

Beverly Reed, NY, age unknown, ( much loved among those in her online support group: FMSupport) FMS sufferer, Jan.2001, CA complications.

Donna Sargent, age unknown, Oct. 2000, FMS suffer who succumbed to pneumonia (known as the penguin lady in her online support group: FMSupport. Is greatly missed)

Michael Sweeney, age unknown, cardiac disease; 11 yrs of inappropriate medical treatment.

Domenic Troiano, January 3rd. 1999, “MCS” from “DTS” Dangerous Toxic Secrets

John R. Urban, 53, fibromyalgia sufferer, Ga. Feb. 2000, John had formed a Support group called the Georgia Peach Tree.

Deborah Ward, spring 2000, Deborah died suddenly at the age of 46. She also had been a long-term FMS and CFIDS sufferer.

Kathleen Wilkinson, Salem Mass, October 2001, suicide, CFIDS patient, Kathleen told people that “She wanted to get out while she still could.”

Ginger Williams, February 2000, FMS sufferer passed away due to a drug interaction. Beloved member of the online support group Our New FMily.

"Memorials"
cji
4/27/02

Memories are found
on oft paths flowered
even hallowed ground
emotions overpowered.

The flowers so blessed
watered ever by tears
this garden so dressed
unneeded any mirrors.

How young are some
while age not a concern
wherever is pains sum
that another can discern.

Memorials and soft love
where there is so much
patience's sent from above
feeling the Master's touch.

Thus a conclusion shown
while there will be no end
for always another known
who will be called a friend.

About the author:
Memorials was written by Charles J. Ingerson, a fellow pain warrior. Like many who are dealing with these invisible illnesses he lives with Chronic Pain each day of his life. Also known as Old Rusty Knight he posses a wonderful spirit and his gentle words through his poetry have touched many. You can read more about Charles and his poetry by visiting this site:
Whispers Of The Spirit