Why Was May 12th Chosen as Awareness Day for ME/CFS and FMS?
May 12th was chosen in memory of the birthday of Florence Nightingale, who was thought to have ME/CFS.
The Story of Florence Nightingale
How Did May 12th Become National Awareness Day for ME/CFS and FMS in Canada?
The National ME/FM Action Network successfully lobbied the Federal Government to proclaim May 12 as National Awareness Day for ME/CFS and FMS.
- 1994 We made a request to the Health Minister to proclaim May 12th as National Awareness Day for ME/CFS.
- Response from the Minister of Health and Wellness.
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May 12, 1994 - First ME/CFS Awareness Day in Canada
It was celebrated with a march on Parliament Hill.
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1995 We requested that parliament proclaim May 12th as National Awareness Day for both ME/CFS and FM. Our request was granted.
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May 12, 1995 - First National Awareness Day in Canada for both ME/CFS and FM.
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1995 The National ME/FM Action Network began a petition to create greater awareness of ME/CFS and FMS in preparation for May 12, 1996. Support Groups and Organizations across Canada assisted us with the petitions.
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May 10, 1996 - Our petitions with approximately 15,000 signatures was presented to the House of Commons. MPs from the various provinces presented the petitions from their province requesting official recognition for ME & FM.
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May 12, 1996 - Parliament declared May 12th National Awareness Day for ME and FM and it has continued to be recognized as such.