The Art of Resilience: B's ME/CFS Story
I have known B’s mother for 50 years, and she is a dear friend of mine. She is an accomplished artist, and her two sons are her greatest masterpieces.
Unfortunately, her son B has been struggling with ME/CFS for the last ten years. He is now 35 years old, but B’s mother still vividly recalls the moment of awe when her older son first held his newborn brother for the first time.
There was a time when B competed as a long-distance runner, hiked wild trails with friends, and paddled a kayak over white water. He is a musician, a scholar, and a writer.
Now his creative mind seems trapped in a swirling mist. He can no longer look at the light on a cell phone or a computer screen.
Recently, he has developed difficulty maintaining eye contact. Headaches and brain fog make reading and conversation nearly impossible. A brief visit from a loved one leaves him exhausted.
B is married and lives with his devoted wife, who cares for him. B is surrounded by people who love him–his wife, mother, brother and sister-in-law, cousins, and friends. No one has given in to despair. They are aware of ongoing research but know there is currently no cure or effective treatment for ME/CFS. But they must continue to hope and believe B will recover.
After all, love, hope, kindness, creativity, and courage are very human miracles. I am blessed to know this wonderful family. With them, I will believe in a miracle for B. I am thankful for OMF’s work and dedication.
The art shared is Resonance by S.K. Masters
Donate your appreciated stock directly to OMF and you can receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer (even if you originally paid much less for them).