Thomas Hennessy, Jr.

Thomas Michael Hennessy, Jr. (1954-2013) lived with and advocated for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). He is known for founding the International ME Awareness Day on May 12th, as well as the (now-defunct) advocacy organisation RESCIND.

Early Life
Thomas was born in Scranton, PA. He grew up first in towns across the Northeast, before moving with his family to Japan at the age of 14. After graduating from St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan and then Fairfield University in Connecticut, Thomas had successful careers in sales and the service industry.

Illness
Thomas became ill with ME/CFS in the autumn of 1987, after a severe bout of the flu.

Death
Following a 25-year battle with ME/CFS, Thomas took his own life on September 9th, 2013, in Boca Raton, Florida.

HHS/CFSAC Testimony

 * Written Testimony for May 2011 meeting