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As a young person living with complex health conditions, the Overlapping Illnesses Alliance and Action for M.E. are deeply important to me

The Overlapping Illness Alliance (OIA) is a coalition of charities working to improve recognition, care and support for people of all ages living with complex, overlapping conditions. These charities include: Action for M.E., Mast Cell Action, The Ehlers-Danlos Support UK, Long Covid Kids, PoTs UK, Forward ME and Long Covid UK.

​I am currently primarily housebound and bedbound due to my experience with many of these conditions and the severe impact they have on my life. Caring for myself has become impossible, and I am reliant on my loved ones and carers to help me survive.

​I am shaving my hair to bring awareness to how severely M.E. and overlapping illnesses can impact a person's day-to-day function. Managing hygiene and maintaining hair has become unachievable for me in my current state, even with the support I receive from my carers.

​However, despite my difficulties, I know that I am still fortunate to have the function that I do. People living with extremely severe M.E. can become completely bedridden, require tube feeding, be unable to move or speak at all, are unable to tolerate human interaction, and spend their days in extremely dark rooms with no stimulation at all. Proper care, recognition, understanding, and research are vitally needed.

​Statement from Action for M.E.:

"Our mission is to improve the lives of all people affected by M.E.—better meeting their needs today, while taking action to secure change for tomorrow. We provide practical day-to-day support and holistic healthcare services, fund breakthrough research, and campaign for change. Help us work towards a future where everyone with M.E. receives the understanding, equity, and care they deserve."