This is a time when people round the world look for ways to highlight the long term and disabling effect that the condition can have on people, and the wide ranging disruption and distress it can cause to families and friends. It also serves as a focus for fundraising events.
The May 12th date was chosen because it is the birth date of Florence Nightingale, the nurse who inspired the founding of the International Red Cross. She is understood to have become ill in her mid-thirties, with an unknown debilitating condition. Despite her illness and being largely bedridden, she founded the first School of Nursing. Her example inspires people with ME to persevere and work for change.
Suggestions for how you can get involved:
Wear blue – wear blue clothes and be prepared to explain why, when asked
Wear blue ribbons – we can supply a small number or purchase them from BRAME
Art competition & display to illustrate ME
Organise a concert
Switch off the muzak – ask shops to turn off music and display a poster explaining sensitivity to noise
Share your story with your local media
Mount a display in your local library or community space.
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