The aim was to raise public awareness of this very complex disease, which robs sufferers of almost all their energy, and to make it as visible as possible in order to persuade Austrian health policy-makers to create the conditions for better help for those suffering from the disease, albeit late in the day. There is still a lack of many things, but above all of medical expertise.
At the initiative of Walter Freller, the art dealers at this year’s Art&Antique in Vienna have decided to help support the cause by selling lots of artwork. The proceeds of the campaign are impressive: 76,480 euros.
One of the winners of a work of art is Odo Spahn, the father of Kornelia Spahn, one of the ME/CFS sufferers who agreed to take part in the project.
What is ME/CFS?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, chronic illness that affects multiple body systems.
A hallmark of ME/CFS is post-exertional malaise (PEM), in which symptoms worsen after physical or mental exertion (leading to what is known as a crash). In severe cases, minimal activity such as showering, walking a few steps or even turning in bed can be enough to trigger a crash.The disease is also characterized by a wide range of other symptoms that change over time and may vary from person to person. Patients may suffer from persistent exhaustion, non-restorative sleep, profound weakness, problems with thinking and concentration (brain fog), orthostatic intolerance, pain and many other symptoms.
About 75% of patients are women. However, ME/CFS can affect anyone, men, women, young and older people, and children. It most often occurs in adolescents or young adults (late teens to mid-thirties). It often, but not always, occurs after an acute infection. Known triggers include the Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis), influenza virus (flu), and the coronaviruses that cause SARS and COVID-19.
The WE&ME-Foundation
The WE&ME Foundation was established in 2020 by the Ströck family and is based in Vienna, Austria, where the family is known for its “Ströck” bakeries, which have been delighting customers with their baked goods for generations.
The Ströck family’s journey has been profoundly affected by the impact of ME/CFS and has shaped the nature and purpose of the WE&ME Foundation with unwavering determination. Two brothers, Christoph and Philipp Ströck, who are both affected by ME/CFS, lead the foundation’s mission. Christoph, the younger brother, received the diagnosis in 2016 after years of illness, and his condition worsened due to misconceptions about ME/CFS. In 2018, Philipp, the older brother, also received a diagnosis.
The family learned firsthand that there are few doctors who are familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS. Over the years, the Ströck family became aware of the importance of addressing the shortcomings in the social security and support systems for the millions of ME/CFS patients.
The ongoing shortage of specialists in this area has left patients to fend for themselves when it comes to diagnosis and the necessary support, a situation that often leads to an irreversible deterioration in the patient’s health. In many cases, they are unable to return to their jobs, which leads to a lack of social support. The situation in which patients and their families find themselves, in addition to the reality of this cruel disease, is completely unacceptable.
Originally self-financed, the foundation is now endeavoring to create resources and awareness for research in order to improve the situation of patients and their relatives.
The Ströck family and the dedicated team at WE&ME are committed to funding groundbreaking research that will uncover the complexities of ME/CFS and bring effective treatments and a cure closer. We hope that our tireless commitment is reflected in every initiative we take to alleviate the burdens that ME/CFS brings.