Making severe ME visible

An estimated 25% of people with ME are so ill they rarely leave their homes or beds.

They feel invisible and ignored.

On Severe ME day each year, 8th August, we make a special effort to recognise the hidden struggles of the 50,000+ in Wales, and the millions worldwide, who are severely affected with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME).

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This year the creative skills of those who are house bound are being showcased in online galleries:

Severe ME Art Project–  an online gallery of work from writers, artists, photographers, video makers and other creatives, from #MEAction

Underexposed, ME Photography Exhibition at seeMEexpo

“This exhibit is dedicated to Whitney Dafoe, a young, adventurous, award winning photographer and film maker before developing an extremely severe form of ME/CFS…

While trapped within a tortured body, hidden away in a darkened room, his life was stripped right down to a single purpose. To stay alive.

…Whitney’s purpose was a powerful one. By staying alive, he gave hope to millions of patients worldwide. Since Whitney’s diagnosis, his father, Ronald Davis, a professor of Biochemistry and Genetics and award winning researcher, has devoted his life to finding a cure for ME/CFS in a desperate bid to save his son and millions like him.

By staying alive, Whitney saved lives.”

For more information about severe ME and how to care for those living with it see Severe ME care resources on the WAMES website.

See also: WAMES volunteer with ME: Michelle