Kittsee gala raises nearly 200,000 euros for ME/CFS research

A charity gala at Schloss Kittsee, a castle, raised nearly 200,000 euros in net proceeds for ME/CFS research, ORF reported.

The event was organised by Gabriele and Gerhard Ströck, whose two sons have ME/CFS. Their foundation aims to advance research into the disease.

Artworks were auctioned and donations collected at the gala. Gabriele Ströck said the event was intended to raise awareness, adding that ME/CFS was not a rare illness. Up to 80,000 people in Austria are affected, she said.

ME/CFS, short for myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome, remains largely understudied. For people with the condition, even everyday tasks such as brushing their teeth or putting on shoes can become difficult. The disease has received more attention since the coronavirus pandemic.