Severe ME Awareness Day

Severe ME Awareness Day takes place every year on August 8th.

It is considered a day for remembrance of those who suffer from and have died from severe myalgic encephalomyelitis, as well a chance to educate the public about severe ME and advocate for better treatment and research.

Purpose
Twenty-five percent of people with myalgic encephalomyelitis have severe or very severe ME, meaning they are almost completely housebound, permanently housebound or bedbound. People with severe ME are frequently hidden away from the outside world, ignored and dismissed. Some patients with severe ME are unable to see doctors because they are refused home visits and are physically unable to leave their home or room.

History
Severe ME Awareness Day was started by the 25 Percent ME Group in 2013. The day August 8th was chosen to honor Sophia Mirza, a severe ME patient who died of the disease.  In 2019, the ME Association marked Severe ME Awareness Day for the first time.

Learn more

 * Severe ME Day - 25% ME Group
 * Severe ME Remembrances leaflet - 25% ME Group