Dr. Streeten

March 29, 2002

Note: ME/FM below refers to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue

Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

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IN MEMORY OF DR. DAVID STREETEN By: Kate Andersen, M.Ed., Youth Consultant

I received a newsletter the other day in which it announced that Dr.

Streeten passed away in late September, 2000, after a massive stroke. Dr.

Streeten was a leading researcher on orthostatic hypotension and made a

significant contribution to our understanding of M.E. The work on

orthostatic hypotension has shed light on the devastating effects of M.E. on

young people and greatly lent credibility to their important cause. I wanted

to share the news of his untimely death with our readers and to add a

personal comment.

I never met Dr. Streeten and only know his name from the published reports

of his research. Yet, what a pang of grief I felt to learn that the world

has lost this great researcher and clinician. As an advocate, I know how

much our cause relies upon the dedication and genius of people like him. As

a patient, I know that there are too few who care enough to dedicate

themselves to conducting research to find solutions to our terrible illness.

As a person, I can only imagine the loss to his family and friends. Our

daily lives with ME/FM are difficult. Moments such as this one remind us

that we are cared about. We are forever grateful to Dr. Streeten that he was

one of those who cared deeply. His caring makes it possible for us to

continue to work as ardently as we can to better the lives of others living

with these illnesses. For this legacy, we are eternally grateful.

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