“Hope is being able to see that there is a light despite all of the darkness.” Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu, a South African Anglican bishop and theologian, was known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. He died last December 26 in Cape Town, South Africa. Tutu led an extraordinary life of service and advocacy fighting for some of the most critical issues confronting humanity. His work and activism helped pave the way for a better society and racial justice. He provided hope in a sea of uncertainty and inequality.

New years should feel exciting and refreshing and full of possibly. For those experiencing chronic illness compounded by a pandemic, living life feels complex and difficult.

In the expanding community of ME/CFS, FM, and Long COVID, the Bateman Horne Center (BHC) exists to be your hope, your beacon of light to a better tomorrow. Despite the challenges of our national and global health environment, BHC is prepared for significant achievements in 2022.

Thanks to the efforts of a terrific staff and generous donors throughout 2021, our work moves forward with enthusiasm and optimism.

BHC’s high-quality education continues to spread, and we are receiving more requests for education from mainstream medical institutions. This year, we will reach more clinicians than ever before through a variety of educational outlets such as Project ECHO, seminars, tele-mentoring, and other continuing medical education platforms. Each provider reached is a touchpoint for change.

Support groups and Lunch & Learn will continue to cultivate connection and break the isolation of illness while addressing topics of interest to our participants.

Research efforts have expanded nationally with the promise of more funding. BHC will be a partner in those efforts and continue to build on current collaborations.

BHC must expand clinic capacity. After hiring two skilled advance practice clinicians (APCs) in 2021, we are planning to hire and train an additional APC in early 2022. The most important objective for BHC in 2022 is an additional MD/DO provider. This is critical if we are to expand our capacity to see more patients and manage the important educational/teaching roles of our current staff. BHC needs donors to help fund the required investment to recruit and engage a new provider.

We are so grateful for the support of this community, for donors who have consistently given to our cause, and for donors new to BHC. Collectively you helped us raise over $465,000 in our 2021 year-end campaign. We know that sacrifices are made by many of you who give. With that trust and stewardship, BHC is committed to making your future better.

We wish you fresh hope.