About ME International
Purpose
The purpose of ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) International is to educate the general public, medical providers, and governments throughout the world as well as support ME patients, caregivers, advocates, organizations, family and friends.
Goals
The goals of ME International are:
- Empower/Educate Patients
- Assist Needy/Severe ME Patients
- Educate Medical Providers
- Support ME Patients, Caregivers, Advocates, Family & Friends
- Alleviate Loneliness
- Advocate on Behalf of Membership
- Support ICC Research
Our History
ME International was established in 2019 out of an observed need to advocate for patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis. The organization was originally founded by Pam and Jim Lutey, and quickly grew into a 9 member board of directors, with over 700 members worldwide.
It was realized that government medicine worldwide was not addressing the needs of ME patients. Through the adoption of the International Consensus Criteria (2011) and the International Consensus Primer (2012), ME International believes that proper diagnosis and treatment of ME can begin.
Some of Our Projects
Since ME International is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization, every cent goes toward its members with minimum expenditures toward overhead expenses such as website hosting costs. We are always looking for ways to help ME sufferers and adding projects to assist those persons.
Assistance for #pwME (people with ME): Each patient has unique needs in solving problems related to their current state of health. Our approach is to emphasize self-help (when the patient is able) recognizing that some severely ill patients may not have energy or financial resources. ME International has identified the following areas where assistance can make a difference: Emergency Relief Project, Patient Clinical Support, Comfort Gifts, and Social Support. See our Assistance page for more details.
Pulse Oximeter project: MEI has given over 100 pulse oximeters to its members free of charge. Heart rate (HR) numbers outside of typical readings are often an indicator of post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (P.E.N.E.) or impending P.E.N.E. Recording HR and oxygen can provide your doctor with objective measurements to better understand ME and P.E.N.E. Become a member and visit our Fundraiser side.
MEI Chat Rooms on Facebook: ME is an isolating illness and patients often feel abandoned by friends and family who can struggle to understand the complexity of this disease. To combat isolation, we created these video chat rooms to offer our members a place to gather and connect to persons who understand their struggle.
Fundraising: Many who suffer from ME are unable to work or are limited in the amount of time they can work. This can lead to considerable financial stress which only compounds this illness and the struggles patients must contend. We offer a place on our website for our members who have a personal ME-related fundraiser on another platform (e.g. GoFundMe, etc) to post their information.
Why Join ME International?
ME has been ignored for decades and is only now getting some recognition. Now we need to make sure that the RIGHT DEFINITION and TREATMENT are being used.
We want this organization to be run by people who really care about this disease and want more than anything to find a CURE! Your support and participation can help make that happen. We want people to participate at any level because they want to and feel the need to help. All positions are voluntary.
Imagine having millions of people who are members of this group … could they still ignore us?
Join ME International and help make this dream a reality!