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Auckland
In
Auckland, ANZMES assisted with a
'living display' in the
window of Emma Lea Linen in Newmarket, Auckland. This display
involved real ME sufferers dressed in velcro receptive material,
lying in a bed, becoming progressively trapped by the velcro. The
velcro symbolised the physical and psychological ties sufferers have to
their beds and the feelings of entrapment they feel as a result. The
demonstration in the shop window was a visual illustration of a very
private and hidden suffering.
A
high quality documentary on ME, made by members of ANZMES and
supporters, was shown in the shop window to passersby. As
publicity and profile-raising was key objective of the day, it was
gratifying to receive a considerable amount of media coverage,
including prime-time news coverage by TV3, radio interviews on
several Auckland radio stations including 1ZB, and newspaper
coverage.
A
2 minute video clip of the TV3 news item on this 'living display' can be seen by clicking
on one of the links below. Both links require Windows Media Player which
comes standard with most computers with Windows installed.
For
dial-up internet connections, click here
(2.5MB).
For
broadband or Jetstream internet connections click here (10MB).
Below
are some photographs taken on the day of the 'living display'.
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Rotorua
[In
Rotorua, a well-attended talk was given by ANZMES' medical advisor, Dr
Ros Vallings, on the subject of 'The Difficulty Of Diagnosing ME/CFS'.
Dr Vallings covered all aspects of making the diagnosis as well as the
relevance of laboratory testing to eliminate other causes of the
patient's condition. Dr Vallings is an internationally recognised expert
on ME/CFS, and is in great demand as a doctor and speaker.
This
talk was given to an audience of both lay people as well as five doctors
who attended. It was held at the Rotorua Hospital, and attendees were
encouraged to both browse some of ANZMES' literature, as well as join.
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Otago/Southland
[The Dunedin support group arranged for a
live 35 minute radio programme covering many aspects of ME. They also
had an article in the local newspaper, and displays in the main public
library and Dunedin Hospital.
The Southland support group had displays
up in various public places.
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A
number of activities were held around New Zealand to
mark ME Awareness day this year (2006). This page outlines some of
them.
