Action CIND is a charity which strives to raise awareness for chronic immunological and neurological, or CIND, diseases. The organization was founded by Alison Rae, who lives with myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia.

CIND diseases include multiple chemical sensitivity, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and more. The organization is raising awareness and funds for research for these conditions. Proceeds are donated to research facilities which specialize in better understanding these diseases such as the Open Medicine Foundation.

May 12th was the International Awareness Day for CIND and Action CIND is working especially hard this month to support their mission.

The Need

Rae explains how difficult it can be to receive a diagnosis with CIND. People with these conditions can look very “normal.” But an invisible disease doesn’t mean one that doesn’t exist.

Of course, symptoms vary by the condition but some common symptoms of these diseases are fatigue, muscle pain, high sensitivity to chemicals, sleep dysfunction, and more.

People with these conditions often face a negative stigma because they don’t look sick. Others don’t realize how debilitating the illnesses can be. Many patients aren’t met with support from family or friends and they are forced to navigate the condition on their own, without any network.

More research is needed to develop treatments for these conditions, but also, more awareness is needed among the general public for how difficult these conditions can be to cope with. Patients struggle financially as they are often unable to work and living on disability. The physical pain, financial burden, and lack of understanding from those around them can be devastating to face.

Action CIND is working to change that. These changes will come one day at a time.

You can read more about these conditions and the struggles patients face here.