As ME/CFS Awareness Month comes to a close, we want to thank you. Because of this incredible community, people living with ME/CFS were seen, heard, and represented throughout May. Together, you helped bring visibility to a disease that has remained in the shadows for far too long.
Every story shared, every conversation started, and every gift made has helped move research forward. Now, in the final 24 hours of May Momentum, we invite you to make one last investment in research and hope.
Today, we are honored to share the story of Jonas.
Jonas was never meant to live a small life. From the time he was little, he wanted to explore everything around him. He loved hiking, carrying maps, and taking every possible path. Curious about science, nature, and people, he dreamed big and could have become almost anything — a teacher, beekeeper, chemist, or something entirely unexpected.
Family was at the center of Jonas’ world. He and his brother Julian were more than siblings — they were best friends. They spent their days joking together, watching Monty Python and silly videos, and sharing endless inside jokes. Their home was filled with loud music, laughter, and love.
Then ME/CFS changed everything. The illness slowly took away Jonas’ freedom, independence, and future. The boy who once wanted to walk every path became increasingly confined by illness and isolation.
Yet through it all, his spirit continued to shine through the love of his family and through music.
To honor Jonas, his father created and performed the song Flowers for Jonas. In the accompanying music video, the dragons symbolize not illness itself, but Jonas’ strength, resilience, and perseverance in enduring ME/CFS.
Supporting Open Medicine Foundation is deeply personal for Jonas’ family because they understand what this disease takes away. Like so many families around the world, they believe research offers hope for answers, treatments, and ultimately a future free from ME/CFS.
As May Momentum comes to an end, there is still time to help drive this research forward. Your gift today will help accelerate the research needed to bring hope to millions of patients and families still waiting for answers.
Thank you for showing solidarity for the ME/CFS community this Awareness Month. Together, we are building momentum toward discovery, treatments, and hope.
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