There is now an OMF Canada!

There is now an OMF Canada!  https://www.omfcanada.ngo/

The Open Medicine Foundation is a non-profit group in the US founded in 2012. Under the leadership of Linda Tannenbaum, the OMF has fundraised over $20 million for ME/CFS research. They are now supporting 3 ME/CFS research groups:  

• Stanford under the leadership of Dr. Ron Davis,
• Uppsala Sweden led by Dr. Jonas Bergquist,
• A new Collaborative Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Affiliated Hospitals, led by Ronald Tompkins and Wenzhong Xiao.

OMF Canada just received a non-profit status and is listed on Canada Helps website. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/open-medicine-foundation-canada/

I emailed Marilyn at OMF Canada and asked whether funds donated in Canada would go to Canadian research.  Here is her reply:

"The funds raised in Canada will be directed by our Scientific Advisory Board and approved by the OMF CA Board of Directors. The plan is to support the Harvard and Stanford Centers as well as research in Canada. We just added Dr. Moreau (who has been a long-time partner) to our scientific advisory board.  In addition, donors have the option to designate their donations if they have a specific interest."

For the record, I am not promoting one charity over the other. I continue to view the education and advocacy of the National ME FM Action Network as critical. And other groups such as Action CIND have formed recently. You may live in a city with an active ME/CFS, FM or ES group you support.

The objective of the newsletters is to provide information in a neutral manner, so you are aware that there are people and organizations working to improve the quality of life of people with ME/CFS, FM and ES and can make informed choices about your health and your support.

Author: Eleanor (Ellie) Stein MD FRCP(C)

I am a psychiatrist with a small private practice in Calgary and am an assistant clinical professor in the faculty of medicine at the University of Calgary. Since 2000, I have worked with over 1000 patients, all with ME/CFS, FM and ES. My passion for this field comes from my own struggle with these diseases, my desire to improve my health and then pass on what I learn. My goal is for every patient in Canada to have access to respectful, effective health care within the publicly funded system.

Ready to take back your health?

Check out more resources to help combat ME/CFS, FM and ES