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1. March 14, 2012 at 22:20 pm | Posted by Rita Sanderson

   I would like to support Dr. Dechene's nomination of Alan G. for the Senior Heroes recognition.
   
   The Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association has gained new direction, positive leadership, and consequently, many accomplishments can be directly attributed to Alan's position and work with the organization. Not only does Alan bring many years of medical expertise and understanding of the illnesses, but a vision, passion, conscientiousness and a deep concern about others - those who suffer because of ignorance, indifference and unfair treatment, medically and socially - especially the children/youth who have learned to cope with many hardships so early in their lives, which has greatly inspired and encouraged all of us serving on the Board and/or as volunteers, and is reflected in the outreach services that we strive to provide.
   
   Alan G. is an exceptional human being, a hero in every sense of the word, and most deserving of this award.

2. March 15, 2012 at 12:05 pm | Posted by Donna Pearson

   As a former business owner stricken with ME/CFS in 2003 and only recently able to volunteer, I am continually inspired by the passion and dedication displayed by Alan G. as President of the all-volunteer Massachusetts CFIDS/ME
   & FM Association.
   
   His extraordinary persistence and determination is not only encouraging, but is highly motivational as well. The fact that Alan is a senior dealing with his own health issues only serves to demonstrate just how remarkable his efforts and accomplishments have been. Four years ago, the organization was led by a handful of dedicated volunteers who were unable to sustain the work involved. Despite numerous challenges and obstacles, Alan’s successful leadership-style facilitated tremendous growth and numerous achievements. The Association is now managed by a 15 person Board of Directors with two vice-presidents, a treasurer and clerk, four program coordinators, numerous committees, and dozens of volunteers.
   
   In my opinion, Alan is an exceptional senior volunteer and has more than earned the title “Senior Hero.”

3. March 15, 2012 at 12:46 pm | Posted by Charmian Proskauer

   This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize someone who, after a long career as a physician, starting at age 77 reinvented himself as a non-profit manager (volunteer). As a physician who saw many patients with these illnesses in his practice, Alan knew first-hand the difficulties, both physical and social, that patients face. When called upon to help, he devoted a great deal of personal time and energy to strengthening the all-volunteer patient association in Massachusetts which provides direct services to patients, education and advocacy on behalf of these illnesses, helping patients to help themselves. At the same time he has built wonderful relationships with similar associations in nearby states, which has created opportunities for sharing knowledge and ideas, supporting the same goals across a wider geographic region and letting others know they are not working in isolation. His work on the Physician’s Primer with the International Committee has resulted in relationships with key clinicians and patient groups throughout the world (Norway, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, Japan) which has helped bring information to/from other countries. He has inspired a new generation of volunteers to bring their own talents to help patients with practical information and educate their families and physicians. As one patient said, “It’s wonderful to know there is a whole community out there.”

4. March 15, 2012 at 15:54 pm | Posted by Lorraine McDonough

   I am pleased to add my own endorsement for the nomination of Allen Gurwitt for Senior Hero of the Year. His hard work and dedication to the Massachusetts/Me & FM Assocition these past four years has been an inspiration to all of us on the Board of Directors, and all the volunteers as well. He came in at a time when we desperately needed him. Founded in 1984, the organization was barely functioning by 2008, when he agreed to take on the difficult role of president. Today it is once again a vibrant growing organization. I don't know anyone more deserving of the title of Senior Hero than Allen Gurwitt, who has been a hero to all of us in the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME&FM Association.

5. March 15, 2012 at 21:40 pm | Posted by Silas W. Sanderson

   As a spouse of someone who has CFS/ME, I have witnessed the illness firsthand for quite some time. I appreciate the necessity and value of an organization like this to patients and family members. By attending events and meetings sponsored by Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association, I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with Alan G. In my opinion, he has demonstrated a wealth of knowledge when addressing a variety of issues that the organization has faced. He conveys assurance and guidance with care and sensitivity. He is highly respected by everyone who is associated with him. Alan G. is most deserving of the Senior Heroes recognition.

6. March 16, 2012 at 15:15 pm | Posted by Nancy Smith

   Dr. Alan Gurwitt, as President of the Massachusetts CFIDS/ME & FM Association, has given endlessly of his time and energy to help patients and educate healthcare professionals. During his 4 years as President, his forsight and professionalism has allowed our organization to grow with great integrity. While he could be lolling on a beach for a well-deserved rest and retirement, he has chosen to give back. He has charted new territory for our organization, grown our Board of Directors and initiated several programs. Dr. Gurwitt is also our own international star, serving on the international committee for developing the physician's primer on chronic fatigue syndrome.
   
   Dr. Gurwitt has a lot of credentials to his credit but he is loved and admired most by those of us who work with him. Through his world-wide contacts, and medical knowledge, he has been a champion for patients everywhere. I strongly endorse his nomination.

7. March 17, 2012 at 12:18 pm | Posted by Pete Cuttin

   Dr Gurwitt has given selflessly to MassCfids salvaging and expanding the mission of the organization in ways that are sometimes hard to quantify. The organization, serving all those who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction, has new vitality that in my opinion would have been hard pressed to survive had he not been willing to shepherd the organization through the last four years.He continues to steer new initiatives and has a relentless drive to focus on the core challenges of awareness and physician education - two of the most important challenges in the CFIDS world. All in all I am pleased to support his nomination.

8. March 29, 2012 at 13:20 pm | Posted by barbara saltzstein

   alan is one of the wisest and most thoughtful men and leaders
   that i have ever met. he has been endlessly available to
   many of us: as patients, colleagues, friends. alan has
   been involved with ma. cfids since the early 90's when he helped organize a group of health care professionals with cfids to share
   our experiences and to educate others. he is truly the epitome
   of a senior hero. it is difficult to find words that fully describe
   the impact alan has made on so many lives. I cannot imagine
   anyone else who has given so tirelessly and with enormous
   compassion who deserves this award more than alan.

9. March 30, 2012 at 20:28 pm | Posted by Justin Reilly, esq.

   Dr. Gurwitt has done more for ME ("CFS") medicine and health care than almost any other medical doctor in the world. That he is 82 and suffering from an extremely debilitating disease (ME) and does this on a volunteer basis, is astonishing and humbling. Please elect this Superhero as your Senior Hero!
   
   Justin Reilly, esq.
   M.E. Law & Policy Center

10. March 31, 2012 at 17:27 pm | Posted by Gingues

    Dr. Alan Gurwitt is a gift to the whole community. This organization, under his leadership, has helped bring together valuable meeting, that are informative and give the community at large an opportunity to gather and bond.
    
    Thank You Dr. Gurwitt!

11. April 3, 2012 at 18:39 pm | Posted by Lori Chapo Kroger

    I'm very grateful for Dr. Alan Gurwitt and his organization for all their hard work both locally and nationally.

12. April 3, 2012 at 23:07 pm | Posted by Rebecca

    Dr. Gurwitt has helped hundreds of people who suffer from CFIDS and fibromyalgia through his leadership and advocacy. He is definitely deserving of this award!

13. April 4, 2012 at 01:04 am | Posted by Faith Wong

    At age 82, Dr. Alan Gurwitt continues to raise awareness and educate physicians about the extremely debilitating illness, CFIDS/ME, which affects an estimated 17 million worldwide. He heads the highly regarded Massachusetts CFIDS/ME and FM Association. Last year the 501(c)3 organization was honored with a $25,000 cash prize in a large, highly competitive online voting contest involving voters from around the world. Dr. Gurwitt has provided excellent leadership for the organization and is making a difference in the lives of countless CFIDS/ME patients and their families. This is a well-deserved nomination!

14. April 5, 2012 at 23:32 pm | Posted by Pat LaRosa

    Alan is deeply committed to helping those with ME/CFS, especially the children. He is a model for how to spend one's senior years in service to others.

15. April 10, 2012 at 17:38 pm | Posted by George

    Alan has done a great deal to help many patients, and who are all grateful for his work.