by Corin Walson
September 15, 2006
Santa Barbara, Calif----Rich Carson, founder of ProHealth, Inc., will be honored with the Outstanding Advocate Award for ME/CFS at a fundraiser on September 15 called “I Hope You Dance” to benefit the future Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease and the HHV-6 and Nevada CFS Foundations.
To be located at the University of Nevada, Reno, the Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease will serve patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and related neuro-immune diseases. The Institute will engage in clinical trials and support basic research in the pursuit of revealing diagnostics, effective treatments, cause and cure of these diseases. This institute will also develop and implement educational programs, for medical students, physicians, patients and the community, to insure that expert medical care will be available for generations to come.
The Outstanding Advocate Award for ME/CFS is given to an individual who has shown exemplary commitment of time, talent and/or funds, on behalf of all patients with ME/CFS.
“Rich Carson has continued to show great concern and support for others with this disease through the development of ProHealth which provides advice, updated facts, and health products for patients with ME/CFS,” said Annette Whittemore, Co-Founder of the Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease and Chairman of the HHV-6 Foundation. “In addition, Rich has contributed over a million dollars in personal profits in support of research and patient advocacy through the CFIDS Association of America.”
Carson, 49, who was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in his early 20s, is the nation’s leading fundraiser for CFS and Fibromyalgia. “I am truly honored to be receiving this award,” said Carson. “Much of our work is still ahead of us, but the incredible achievements by organizations such as the Institute are clear signs that progress is inevitable with dedication and perseverance of people who care.”
The Institute will also be honoring Dr.Robert Suhaldonik for Lifetime Achievement in Research for his contributions to the science of ME/CFS. His ground breaking research on the antiviral pathway abnormalities in these patients has served to provide biological insight into this disease.
Last year’s award recipients included:
n Jerry Crum, Outstanding Advocate for ME/CFS, spent years working with the CFIDS association to help bring awareness of the disease to the federal government and who continues to advocate on behalf of all patients.
n The Lifetime Achievement award went to Dr. Dharam Ablashi, one of the co-discoverers of HHV-6 and founding member of the AACFS. He now serves as the Scientific Ddirector for the HHV-6 Foundation after coming out of retirement at the request of the foundation.
CONTACTS:
Media Contact:
Corin Walson (714)921-8850
cwalson@walsonpr.com
ProHealth:
Sheila Cruthirds
(805) 564-3064 ext 241
scruthirds@prohealth.com
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