The “ART&ANTIQUE HOFBURG Vienna” was also characterized by community and social commitment. The Ströck family’s WE&ME Foundation was represented with several campaigns. She is committed to the research and treatment of ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Up to 100,000 people in Austria are affected by the little-researched disease, which massively limits their lives. The internationally celebrated star photographer Brent Stirtonwho has received the prestigious World Press Photo Award several times, dedicates his most recent series of works to ME/CFS sufferers in Austria. In sensitive portraits, he documents their everyday life in their private environment, which is often characterized by complete social isolation and makes participation in social life impossible. Some works were now presented to the general public for the first time at the “ART&ANTIQUE HOFBURG Vienna” in order to provide insights into the lives of those affected, which are hardly noticeable and imaginable for outsiders. The entire series of works is produced in collaboration with Lois Lammerhuber will be presented next year at the “La Gacilly-Baden Photo” festival.
“Art has the power to convey socially relevant topics and invite people to engage with them. But art can also give hope. For many sufferers, the works of art that surround them are a glimpse into another world that remains largely hidden from them due to ME/CFS. The presence at the ‘ART&ANTIQUE HOFBURG Vienna’ is a positive signal for those affected and their relatives that the issue is being noticed and that they are not left alone by society.”
emphasized Gerhard Ströck.
Five galleries and art dealers support the WE&ME Foundation
Art fans and trade fair visitors also had the opportunity to buy tickets and win valuable works of art in a raffle. Works by Marc Chagall, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Kiki Kogelnik, Koloman Moser and Hans Staudacher were provided by Kunsthandel Freller, Galerie Kovacek, Giese & Schweiger Kunsthandel, Kunsthandel Florian Kolhammer and the Galerie bei der Albertina Zetter in support of the WE&ME Foundation. They brought in a total of 76,480 euros for the Ströck family’s charitable foundation, which has achieved considerable success in recent months thanks to its constant commitment. Health Minister recently announced John Rauch announces the opening of a national reference center for post-viral syndromes at the Medical University of Vienna, which will contribute to improving patient care. The city of Vienna with mayor Michael Ludwig and the Vienna Science, Research and Technology Fund (WWTF) presented the results of joint research funding with financial support from the WE&ME Foundation in October 2024. Seven projects worth 695,445 euros were selected by the international jury.
Die Rejection by the Ministry of Health of the inclusion of the multisystem disease ME/CFS in the assessment regulation on Friday is seen by both the WE&ME Foundation and patient organizations as an incomprehensible step backwards,
About the WE&ME Foundation
The WE&ME Foundation (formerly TEMPI Foundation) was founded in 2020 by Gabriele and Gerhard Ströck founded and is based in Vienna. The Ströck family’s journey has been profoundly influenced by the impact of ME/CFS and has shaped the nature and purpose of the WE&ME Foundation with unwavering determination. Two of her three sons are affected by ME/CFS. The WE&ME Foundation is committed to basic research in the field of ME/CFS. She wants to bring together and bundle knowledge from research, medicine and patient experience and create broad awareness so that the necessary patient care can be achieved. Further information on weandmecfs.org
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