In our spring campaign we set a goal to raise $300,000 that would allow us to move into a larger facility in order to serve more patients, expand education efforts, and increase research participation. Earlier this month, we announced that we had exceeded our goal by more than 260%, raising more than $1.08 million!

Well, the turtles have been moved and we’re getting settled in our new space. It was all-hands-on-deck for moving day. Everyone chipped in and played a part – volunteers, staff, and Dr. Bateman herself – to ensure everything would be safely, quickly and economically moved the one block over to the new, larger facility.

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As we got settled in, we were thrilled to install the all-new, custom-made furniture for the reception area and beyond. Because of the tremendous generosity of a faithful donor, all of the furniture was donated to ensure our patients spaces were comfortable, colorful and classy; everything that ME/CFS and FM patients deserve. Dr. Bateman has long given patients first-class, comprehensive and compassionate care, now she has a space that visually reflects that and welcomes patients in comfort and style.

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But even greater than the new location and new look is the new opportunity. This new location gives BHC the opportunity to expand research and medical staff, increase the number of patients we can see, and increase the number of well-categorized patients we can enroll in cutting edge research. We are actively seeking to expand clinic staff and increase our reach in this way. (So if you know of a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or medical assistant that is great with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia patients, or ready and willing to learn, send them our way!)

In addition to greater clinic and research space, this new location provides for an education center (still under construction.) In this new space, we plan to:

• House an ever-expanding and engaging patient library
• Host additional education events for patients, both live and streamed on-line (as well as recorded for future use)
• Offer opportunities for skilled patients to come and volunteer, giving them an opportunity to utilize their skills and expertise, in an environment that understands their needs and can accommodate their energy envelope
• Host healthcare provider education, for medical staff, interns and students, in order to expand the pool of knowledgeable and compassionate providers in the field

While we couldn’t be more proud of the new space or more excited about what’s on the horizon, we are also impatient. We know all too well that there remain many thousands of patients with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia that do not have access to the first-class care they deserve. While we celebrate this blessing to our clinic and look forward to welcoming more to it, we know that is not enough. Dr. Bateman and all at BHC will not rest until all patients, everywhere, receive a ready diagnosis, are effectively treated, and are widely met with empathy and understanding. First-class care needs to be the standard in our community, not the exception. This is what we are working for.

For all who have invested in us and helped us get this far, we offer our tremendous gratitude. For all those who, like us, hope to see this dream become a reality in our lifetime, please consider becoming a monthly donor. Your support will allow us to lead this charge more effectively and make progress more swiftly.