One of the cornerstones of our annual Advocacy Week program is the EmPOWER M.E. roundtable. Panels of patient advocates, professionals, and scientists share their expertise on topics relevant to the quality of life for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid and their caregivers.

EmPOWER M.E. is dedicated to empowering patients and caregivers in medical and advocacy environments, giving our community tools to share our stories with impact.

Driven by patient input, EmPOWER M.E. projects strive to ensure that no family ever has to learn “the hard way” on their journey with ME/CFS, Long Covid, or other post-infection diseases.

This year the EmPOWER M.E. topic is “Pacing: Power In Slowing Down.”

The program will include a main information session, followed by two community forums with experts and patient leaders.

Panelists include:

Todd E. Davenport, PT, DPT, PhD, MPH

Dr. Lisa Hamilton, OTD, OTR/L

Hollis Mickey, MA, MFA

Clayton Powers, DPT

EmPOWER M.E. Main Session - Pacing: Power in Slowing Down
10-11:00 am PDT / 1:00-2:00 pm EDT

Pacing is one of the most talked-about — but often misunderstood — tools in chronic illness management. In this informative session, we'll break down what pacing really means, why it works, and how it works — so no family has to learn the hard way.

Community Forum: Pacing in Public: Know Your Rights
11:30 am-12:00 pm PDT / 2:30-3:00 pm EDT

We will explore the practical realities and impact of navigating pacing strategies in public spaces — including work, education, and civic life — from a care and support perspective, as well as how support networks can play a role in reinforcing these strategies.

Community Forum: Pacing at Home: Prioritizing, Planning & The Art of Asking
12:15-12:45 PM PDT / 3:15-3:45 PM EDT

We will focus on how individuals living with ME/CFS and related conditions can structure their home routines through intentional pacing strategies — including prioritizing essential activities, planning around limited energy, and communicating needs to caregivers and support networks.

Click here to register for our Friday, June 27 EmPOWER M.E. event “Pacing: Power in Slowing Down.”

Click here to view previous EmPOWER M.E. roundtable events.