Nightingale Research Foundation

The Nightingale Research Foundation is a Canadian non-profit research organization dedicated to the study and treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) and related illnesses. It was founded in 1988 and has Canadian charitable registration #0810341-11. The foundation was named in honor of Florence Nightingale who, despite being bedridden for most of her life, continued to learn more about disease, to improve medical education, and to publish over 200 books, reports and articles on medical matters. According to the foundation's website, "we called our foundation Nightingale since many sufferers of M.E. and CFS typify the courage and dedication of Florence Nightingale and continue to live their lives under enormous disabilities."

Notable people

• Byron Hyde, founder

Activities

• In-depth patient evaluation to formulate a database of longitudinal case studies
• Development of diagnostic protocols based on the database of case studies
• Publications to educate medical professionals, including publishing the novel finding of an increased rate of thyroid malignancy
• Presentations to conferences, collaborate with researchers
• Organization of the First World Symposium on M.E. at Cambridge University

Funding

According to the foundation, it is structured to operate with minimal overhead and operating costs, and its fundraising approach is goal-oriented. Over the years, each of its various projects has been supported by separate fundraising campaigns. Most funding in the early years came from business and philanthropic organizations. Since 2000, its activities have been largely funded by patients and supporters.

Online presence

• Foundation website

See also

• Byron Hyde
• Nightingale Research Foundation definition

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

myalgic encephalomyelitis (M.E.) - A disease often marked by neurological symptoms, but fatigue is sometimes a symptom as well. Some diagnostic criteria distinguish it from chronic fatigue syndrome, while other diagnostic criteria consider it to be a synonym for chronic fatigue syndrome. A defining characteristic of ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM), or post-exertional neuroimmune exhaustion (PENE), which is a notable exacerbation of symptoms brought on by small exertions. PEM can last for days or weeks. Symptoms can include cognitive impairments, muscle pain (myalgia), trouble remaining upright (orthostatic intolerance), sleep abnormalities, and gastro-intestinal impairments, among others. An estimated 25% of those suffering from ME are housebound or bedbound. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies ME as a neurological disease.

See chronic fatigue syndrome.