At each of our conferences, NJCFSA has traditionally awarded Achievement Awards to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the CFS community. I am pleased to present the award this to a physician who has been an exemplar in the providing of caring and compassionate care to CFS patients in New Jersey. If I tried to list all his accomplishments, we would never get out of here. Briefly, in addition to 15 years of private practice with a major specialty in CFS, he has authored numerous books, including the book of the month club selection Doctor Why Am I So Tired. He is a principal investigator in the Food and Drug Administration's trials of the drug Ampligen in CFS patients. He has hosted a popular radio show and made numerous television appearances publicizing CFS. He is a Clinical Professor at the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and a member of the International Myopain Society and the American Association of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In addition, he has been a strong supporter of NJCFSA for many years.
    As one of his patients, I am most grateful for his willingness to listen, to always have something new to try, and his refusal to allow me to give up hope when I was most desperate.
It is my great honor and pleasure to present this award to Dr. Richard Podell.