Terri Wilder

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)

Terri L. Wilder, MSW, was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) in March 2016. Since her diagnosis she has worked with elected officials, public health departments, health care providers, and activists to raise awareness and fight for health equity regarding ME. She was finishing her PhD when she became ill however believes she has had the disease since 1996. She is currently a volunteer with #MEAction and represented the group on the federal Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Advisory Committee (CFSAC). Additionally, she has worked in HIV services since 1989 and is a long time AIDS activist (and ACT UP/NY member) advocating for policy change. She uses the skills she learned from the AIDS movement to fight for her life with ME. She strongly believes that structural violence is the root cause of people with ME remaining sick and dying. To learn more about Terri, go to: https://www.meaction.net/2018/11/19/volunteer-of-the-month-the-woman-behind-the-per-fink-protest/