It’s been awhile since I’ve written a post as an advocate for ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis). There are so many posts, tweets, google +, etc., reports of research and trials going around on the Internet, and many duplicates also. It’s heartening to see the continuance of support and awareness. The disheartening thing is that it all seems to do nothing to move and stir the huge grant pot of the NIH.
Today, I came across an article that got my attention. It’s a blog by Brian Vastag, veteran and former science writer for The Washington Post. It is addressed to Francis Collins, NIH Director.
Brian became ill with ME three years ago and is asking the NIH if it can “spare a few dimes.” His blog is compelling, to say the least.
He starts off his letter to Dr. Collins with:
Dear Dr. Collins,
You might recall the last time we spoke. It was January 2013, and I was working as a science reporter at The Washington Post. Your people arranged an early call for you to announce that the N.I.H. had decided to retire most of its research chimpanzees. We spoke for about 20 minutes, and I typed up a 600-word story. It wasn’t very good.
See also:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/people/brian-vastag
Sunshinebright 
What a well-thought out letter — never mind that it took him 4 days to write it. Only hope that it will do some good and soon.
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That’s why we advocates and patients “keep on trucking.” We all still hope some forward motion will occur within the NIH.
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