U.S. Congressmen Visit ME/CFS/Long Covid Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School

Congressmen Jamie Raskin (D-MD) (left) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) (right) meeting with researchers and patient advocates at Univ. of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, June 1, 2022.

This exciting visit was organized by the Selin Lab at UMass and ME advocate Rivka Solomon, in conjunction with the Massachusetts ME/CFS & FM Association. Fourteen people attended this private meeting, both virtually and in-person.

Patient advocates Rivka Solomon, Netia McCray, and Jehan Keziere meet (virtually) with the Congressmen

First, Rivka gave an overview of the illnesses. Then Massachusetts residents Jehan Keziere and Netia McCray shared moving personal stories about living with ME and LC. They called for more clinical and research help. Viral immunologist Liisa Selin, MD, PhD, shared about the cutting-edge research her lab is conducting, with her colleague Anna Gil, PhD. After, Hayla K. Sluss, PhD, a UMass researcher studying mechanisms of ME, shared the challenges of being a caregiver for a child with ME. All agreed about the need for more clinical and research help.

The Congressmen have a discussion with patients and researchers Dr. Liisa Selin and Dr. Hayla Sluss

Next, the members of Congress asked questions and expressed keen interest in supporting both the patients and the researchers. UMass is located in Representative McGovern’s congressional district, so he pointedly asked: “How can I help? What is the next step?” Together, the participants discussed possible ideas.

L to R: Cong. Jim McGovern (D-MA); Dr. Liisa Selin, Dept of Pathology; Dr. Anna Gil, Dept of Pathology; Dr. Hayla K. Sluss, Dept of Medicine; Dr. Kenneth Rock, Chair, Dept of Pathology; Taeva Cohen, Technician, Selin Lab; Cong. Jamie Raskin (D-MD)

Later, McGovern’s staffer said everyone was happy with the meeting. That was wonderful to hear, because a good, ongoing relationship with Congressman McGovern could help both the people living with these highly disabling illnesses, and also the researchers studying them.

Media attended and we are hopeful something may soon be published.

More photos of the event by Andy Joliat:
https://thefamilyalbum.pixieset.com/umassmedschandcongressmen/ PIN 6188