History
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome sufferers have often been left to find their support systems
by way of their computer systems. The internet has been and continues to be a valuable medium that has allowed CFSers to connect with one another. Despite this resource having been available three years ago there was still a desperate need for an in-person support group in our area. In 2007 we congregated in the living room of my home in Mountain View and held our very first meeting. In 2009 we restructured the meetings and with the help of member Amberlin Wu we found two brilliant co-facilitators to lead the group. Rochelle and Elizabeth have been a blessing in keeping our group ongoing. They were successful right off the bat in finding a new location to accommodate us. The group’s longevity has been largely reliant upon the efforts of these ladies.
Details about the meetings are as follows:
Meeting Location
Camino Medical Group
Third Floor, OB/GYN reception area (turn right out of elevator)
701 E. El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA 94040
Caminomedical.org
Meeting Dates
Currently we meet every 3rd Sunday of the month from 2p-4p.
An email is usually sent out to the group in advance as a reminder.
Group Members
Our group is intended for those who are afflicted with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. We
also welcome those with Fibromyalgia and those who suffer from similar conditions.
We encourage family, friends and those hoping to learn more about CFS to attend our
meetings as well. This will continue to be the case so long as visitors are respectful of the medical validity of CFS as well as the confidentiality of personal information shared within the group.
Meeting Expectations
The hope for CFS Bay Area has been to offer on-going and supportive meetings.
It is our hope that members will…
- Receive and give emotional support and encouragement.
- Have opportunities to be heard and to share
- Give others the opportunities to be heard and to share.
- Have an opportunity to meet experts in the field.
- Have a safe and supportive place to cry together and to laugh together
- To exchange thoughts and experiences, personal updates, improvements & set-backs, information such as new research, current studies, treatments, doctor suggestions and advocacy ideas.
CFS members range in age, ethnicity, sex, gender and severity of their illness. Please respect each others’ differences, disabilities and sensitivities. We ask that you always:
1) Keep confidential any personal information shared during group meetings, emails,
etc. If there is personal information you believe would be helpful to others
outside the group always ask permission first before sharing. This will give
members a sense of comfort and safety in sharing personal information with each
other. Additionally, please do not share members’ names and health diagnosis
information on message boards, chat forums, etc…
2) Remember that our meetings are always fragrance-free. Although there is no way
of eliminating fragrances all together, please refrain from perfumes, colognes,
scented lotions or strong soaps/detergents that may be problematic for members
with multiple chemical sensitivities.
E-mail List
Once you have expressed interest in attending the group your first name and email
address will be added to the group email list. This is done so that meeting reminders or
other CFS information can be sent to you and so that members can communicate with
each other via email if they so choose. (Please do not share email addresses with others.)
If you prefer that your email address be blind copied and not shared with group members please let Rochelle or Elizabeth know ASAP. Additionally, if you wish to be removed from the email list all together you can request that as well via an email message.
Meeting Donations
In 2009 changes were made to the structure of our group in order to create meetings
that were sustainable. We acquired the help of our co-facilitators who have taken the
lead on many responsibilities. As with many support groups, it seems appropriate that
donations be made for their continual efforts and for covering overhead costs. Donations
at our meetings are never required or expected. However, for those that are able, small donations are greatly appreciated to offset their time and efforts.
Please keep in mind the many responsibilities that are handled by our co-facilitators. They correspond with new members, organize guest speakers, spend time traveling to and from meetings incurring travel expenses, make their personal weekend time available for our group, research and read up on CFS at their leisure, provide us with the opportunity to have reliable meetings which are lead by supportive and educated co-facilitators, provide light refreshments when they are able and continually do work behind-the-scenes.
Comfort Items
Please feel free to bring items that make your time at our meetings more comfortable.
Although it seems to fly by, two hours can be a long time for us. Examples might be
a pillow to use against the back of your chair, sunglasses if the lights bother your eyes or even a special snack for yourself that fits your dietary needs. I sometimes bring my slippers to wear since they are so cozy.
Contact Information
Group email: cfsbayarea@yahoo.com
This email address is currently maintained by Rochelle and Elizabeth.
Group Facilitator & Founder: Monica Zavala
monicaz49@yahoo.com, (408) 469-0366
I hope that this letter has provided you with helpful information and answers to any
questions that you may have had. Feel free to email the group co-facilitators or myself for any additional information. Please also keep my phone number available if ever you are having a rough time and need someone to talk to. Once again we are very happy you have contacted us and we look forward to meeting you at an upcoming meeting.
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