As a local resident, I am writing to ask you to educate the public and health care professionals about chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). My life has been affected by this serious, yet misunderstood disease, and I am asking you to help raise awareness about CFS. May 12 was recognized worldwide as International CFIDS/CFS/ME Awareness Day and May is a focus for awareness-raising activities across the U.S. and around the world.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects at least one million American adults and teens, yet fewer than 20 percent of patients have been diagnosed. Most people don't understand its serious and long-lasting effects. CFS is characterized by severe exhaustion, disabling problems with memory and concentration, widespread muscle and joint pain and persistent flu-like symptoms. Research has documented defects in the brain and many body systems, but we still don't know what causes it and treatment is limited to managing symptoms to improve quality of life.

According to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with CFS are as disabled as those with multiple sclerosis, people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, and battling late-stage AIDS.

Each year it costs our economy as much as $25 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.

Here's how you can help: health care professionals are not knowledgeable about how to diagnose CFS, so coverage of the CFS helps bring credible information to the public and the health care community so people can get the care they need.

Please visit http://www.cfids.org/sparkcfs/press-room.asp to find story ideas, fact sheets and other resources. The CFIDS Association of America is the nation's largest organization dedicated to conquering CFS, and they can help put you in touch with experts and patients who will speak on the record. They are also working with the CDC on the first national awareness campaign. You can find helpful information about CFS on CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov/cfs, including a transcript of the November 3, 2006 press conference at which CDC director Julie Gerberding announced the awareness campaign (http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/transcripts/t061103.htm?id=36410).

Thank you in advance for building understanding about this devastating condition that has such a profound impact on the individual and our community.

LAURA SMITH

Ottawa