May 12 is International ME Awareness Day.
There are approx 24,000 New Zealanders with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).
25% of those are bed or house bound. It affects all ages, ethnicities and genders.
Triggers for the illness include viral and bacterial infections.
It’s not just being tired. It’s a serious biomedical illness affecting every system in the body. Martyna Reynolds was diagnosed with glandular fever when she was 30.
Her health continued to decline and she was next diagnosed with ME/CFS.
She has been unable to continue to work in her dream job as a special education teacher. ME/CFS can be a very isolating illness.
If you know someone with it perhaps send them a card or text.
They may appreciate help with meals or transport.
Visit us at our shop ‘The Charity Boutique’, follow us on Instagram, Facebook or visit our website www.restassuredrespitetrust.org for more information.
