In locations all over the world, people sent their old shoes to Washington, DC, London, and many other global cities to create a vivid picture of how many people are missing from their own lives due to ME/CFS. One of those many protests is shown in the photo above.
There is still time to join in from home. Check out the ME Action website for more information on actions you can take for this global day of protest.
I just used their site to add a Twibbon (an overlay with #MillionsMissing) to my profile pictures on both Twitter and Facebook, and I explained on my Facebook page what it means. Here's what I wrote to my friends and family:
"Today is the #MillionsMissing awareness campaign for ME/CFS, to recognize the millions of people in the US and all over the world who are missing from their lives and/or missing out on favorite activities because of ME/CFS. I am lucky to have found some treatments that help me avoid being completely housebound or bedridden, but I do still miss a lot of my old life, including backpacking, hiking (longer than 1 mile!), running, vigorous exercise, working, and being able to get through a full day without a nap!"
Since my friends and family often see me out in the world, I added an explanation of the things I am missing out on and used a photo showing something I love that I can no longer do (backpacking). For others who aren't even able to leave their homes or beds, the photos of empty shoes are powerful symbols.
There are 5 other ways to join in and lend your voice (or a picture of your shoes) - see the link above at ME Action.
You can also read more news and posts on Twitter at #MillionsMissing.
2 comments:
Canada flooded the inboxes of up to 300+ parliamentarians by sending about 500+ emails during our one hour protest.
By the way, I hope next time we can get a better Twibbon template - so we don't have to explain what it means!! (I like the scratched out look used in these posters http://millionsmissing.meaction.net/resources/branding/ and of course the empty shoes are great too
Wonderful, Jo! I hope some good comes from all this.
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