Help support this free clinic - "MECFS Clinic MN"

As someone with chronic fatigue syndrome, I am honored to launch this page in support of the great work that the MECFS Clinic MN will be providing the chronic fatigue syndrome community. Dr. Tam is an amazing doctor, so generous with her time and expertise. There is a great need for this clinic; it will be such a blessing to so many.

A few words from Dr. Tam….

At age 8, Lindsey Vonn of Minnesota told her father that she wanted to be an olympian. Her family rallied around this young lady’s dream. She moved on to become not only an Olympic champion, but the winnest woman in alphine ski racing history. I am nowhere close to being Lindsey Vonn. But I have a big dream too: opening a virtual free clinic for patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) after my retirement.

One may ask why chronic fatigue syndrome. ME/CFS is never taught in medical schools. Like COVID, it is a mystery. Unlike COVID, ME/CFS is a taboo because no one knows much about it. It has no diagnostic test. Sadly, the CDC estimated that up to 2.5 million people in 2015 have this disease, but less than 20% have received the correct diagnosis from their doctors. By the time these patients sat down with me, they were deeply frustrated. Their doctors told them that their fatigue was no different than theirs, that the mysterious palpitation and dizziness were all “in their heads”, or that they would get better if they just tried harder. In reality, no doctors want to deal with these ME/CFS patients because of their multiple conflicting and confusing symptoms. Referrals after referrals to specialists resulted in all normal findings. These patients continue to suffer in silence.

Have you ever met anyone who skips a simple family dinner and eats alone in a dark room everyday? It is because the sound of the conversation and processing conversation make their heads hurt. Have you ever met anyone who cannot play with their children? They have to watch their kids play by laying down on the floor because sitting up for five minutes makes them dizzy. When the kids talk too loud, people with ME/CFS have to go upstairs to hide. Who wants a life like this? They cannot make meals, do laundry, take a shower everyday, or drive! Vacation is not in their vocabulary.

This is exactly the reason why I want to volunteer my time and energy to treat patients with ME/CFS. They are the most hopeful, grateful, resilient and positive people I have ever met. They deserve the best. I hope this free clinic, MECFS Clinic MN, can bring life back to them.

Today, a website of this free clinic is set up: mecfsclinicmn.org. However, in order to begin and continue our operation, we have administrative expenses to cover. I sincerely hope you can join us on this journey: 1) get to know about ME/CFS, 2) spread the word about this terrible disease, and 3) donate to help this clinic be a light to the ME/CFS community. You could make a difference in many who suffer from ME/CFS. I would be grateful if you could be a part of the mission. Thank you very much!

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Mecfs Clinic MN, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.