Blue Ribbon Foundation

Programs: Advocacy - film and distribution: the blue ribbon foundation produced "forgotten plague - me and the future of medicine. " it is a 69-minute film hailed as a "must see documentary" by the huffington post. Directed by emmy award winner nicole castillo and ryan prior, the film tells the story of an afflicted journalist who embarks on a quest to discover why the centers for disease control and medical system have neglected his disease and left millions sidelined from life. Film distribution: support groups and activists around the world have shown the film to raise awareness and generate donations to support local programs associated with me/cfs. The brf has shipped more than 1000 dvds and amazon has sold 300 dvds. Streaming views exceed 1500 and we estimate local film showings around the world exceed 2000. In 2017 editors released versions of the film with subtitles in dutch, french, german, italian, norwegian, and spanish languages.

advocacy iacfs conference: with a $1500 grant to the international association for chronic fatigue syndrome, the blue ribbon foundation funded a screening of "forgotten plague" at the iacfs/me conference in fort lauderdale, florida october 27-30, 2016.

healthcare worker continuing education: since 2016 the blue ribbon foundation has partnered with ceu concepts to present live me/cfs workshops for social workers, case managers, and registered nurses in the atlanta metro area. These workshops teach about me/cfs and participants earn continuing education credits. The workshops included showing parts of "forgotten plague. " in the spring of 2017 ceu concepts completed their online version of the training which includes watching the entire film with test questions to validate learning. Now called ceu creations, this online offering will pay brf a small fee each time a social worker, case manager, or registered nurse completes the course and healthcare workers all over the us will have access to this education.

medical school fellowship: during the summer of 2017, the blue ribbon foundation funded 2 fellowships for medical school students to study me/cfs. The institute for neuro immune medicine at nova southeastern university near ft lauderdale, fl hosted the brf fellows who worked directly with world-renowned me/cfs researchers. Partnering with medical schools to offer their students meaningful fellowships will lead medical schools to incorporate the latest knowledge about me/cfs into their curriculum.

advocacy impact grants: the blue ribbon foundation continued this program area to leverage foundation resources to fund other organizations advocating on behalf of me/cfs patients. In 2017 the brf issued grants totaling $76,800 to the me action network. Me action is the leading international grass roots organization advocating for health equality for me. The me action network hosted worldwide "millions missing" marches and released their documentary film "unrest" about the incredible suffering endured by me/cfs patients. Me action is having an impact around the world. They do outstanding work and the brf is proud to support this vibrant and engaging organization.