Advocacy Video Contest

THE VIDEO CONTEST IS OVER. WINNERS WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY, MAY 12, 20007. PLEASE JOIN PANDORA IN CONGRATULATING THE WINNERS! CHECK YOUR INBOX FOR OUR PRESS RELEASE.

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES FOR OUR INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY VIDEO CONTEST ENDED ON APRIL 30, 2007, 9:00 pm EASTERN TIME.

RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON MAY 12, 2007 - AWARENESS DAY FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME, FIBROMYALGIA, GULF WAR SYNDROME AND MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES.

It is with great excitement that I announce that now is the time to select the winning videos submitted to P.A.N.D.O.R.A. for our International Advocacy Video Contest.

Since the inception of this contest, I am proud to say that a whole new neuroendocrineimmune community has been created in YouTube.com. We could not have done it without your input, participation, interest and support. I am always amazed at the talent and at the creativity that exists in our community.

A total of 6 videos are in the contest. One video from Ellen Nadeau, a young 15-year old high school student is not here listed here yet, because of some technical difficulties, but you can see her video on Youtube.com at http://www.youtube.com/group/pandoravideocontest and by casting your vote by following the directions below.

CLARIFICATION: You can cast ONE VOTE for your video choice under the category of CFS and one VOTE for the category of fibromyalgia.

TO VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE VIDEO:

We need your participation for this part of the selection process. Please click on the videos below, watch them, and vote on your favorite video by sending a quick e-mail to P.A.N.D.O.R.A. at contact@pandoranet.info and in the Subject Box include the title of the video and category. Please note why you have chosen the particular video; I also encourage you to post a nice comment on Youtube.com to the producer/director for each movie.

Once you vote on your choice, we ask you that you forward P.A.N.D.O.R.A.’s video contest web site link, (www.pandoranet.info/advocacyvideocontest.html) to as many individuals as possible, and invite them to vote as well. By forwarding to others, we will create an exciting international awareness campaign that will last not only during the month of May but throughout the year.

A panel of judges will make the final choices, but popular votes will count towards ties and honorable mentions. The results will be shared with the public on May 12, 2007 to coincide with Awareness Day for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Gulf War syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivities.

We look forward to receiving your votes and we hope you will continue to support P.A.N.D.O.R.A. in our overall efforts in addressing quality of life issues and to ultimately through increased scientific research, we will be able to unlock the mysteries that still surround neuroendocrineimmune disorders and a cure will be found!

See you soon at P.A.N.D.O.R.A.’s virtual theater! Don’t forget the popcorn!

Finalist #1 Category: Fibromyalgia Title: Living with Fibromyalgia Producer & Director: Nick Easter The story of a young girl named Holly Fraser, who has to endure a life with the incurable disease Fibromyalgia. Her mother's concern, love and caring support touches the heart of every parent who has a child diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Her supporting web site is www.diagnosesupport.com
Finalist #2 Category: Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia: The Broken Ones Producer: Leia Jobe Director: Leia Jobe Music: Pilot Speed Heart wrenching pictures of the frustration, sensual loneliness, and rebellion experienced by a young artist who was diagnosed with CFS/FM at age 18 after a viral infection.
Finalist #3 Category: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Title: Imagine Producer: Leia Jobe Director: Leia Jobe Music:unknown A young artist shares with the world the challenges of her daily life dealing with chronic fatigue syndrome. Her personal life interrupted and one that it is difficult for others to imagine.
Finalist #4 Category: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Title: Monkeys with Wings Director: Rik Carlson Producer: Michael Thurston Writer: Rik Carlson Music: Michael Thurston The story of a prominent businessman in Vermont, whose successful life was interrupted by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The video highlights the special connection to "monkeys with wings"- (gargoyles) strategically placed at his place of business and how they relate to his life journey. His supporting web site is: www.monkeyswithwings.com
Finalist #5 Category: ME/CFS Title: Fighting for Recognition of ME/CFS: A Defiant Caretaker's Song Producer & Director: Greg & Linda Crowhurst Writer: Linda & Greg Crowhurst Music & Lyrics: Greg Crowhurst A message of hope, courage and defiance from Greg Crowhurst, the husband of Linda Crowhurst, a ME/CFS sufferer from England.
Finalist #6 Category: CFS/ME Title: We Still Have Hope! Producer & Director: Ellen Nadeau. Writers: Adrienne, Drew and Ellen Nadeau Ellen Nadeau, a beautiful 15 year old shares her personal health challenge as well as the fact that CFS is indeed a "family affair". Her brother Drew and her sister Adrienne have also been diagnosed with CFS at a very young age. And for each one, life has been indeed interrupted. But in despite of their debilitating health challenges, Ellen, Adrienne and Drew all have that special youthful inspiring hope that a cure will soon be found for CFS.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Marly Silverman, Founder
Cell phone: 954-629-0976 - Volunteer Help Line: 954-783-6771 – www.pandoranet.info
October 11, 2006

The P.A.N.D.O.R.A. International Advocacy Video Contest On Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Coral Gables, Florida - Oct 11, 2006- This international contest involves submission of videos that create and raise awareness of the plight of individuals with neuroendocrineimmune disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome CFS), fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War syndrome (GWS) and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). The selected winners will be used as part of our international outreach campaign to raise awareness to these illnesses.
It is estimated that when combined, these illnesses affect over 20 million Americans. The economic impact on our national economy is considerable, with billions of dollars lost due to loss of productivity. (Source: Centers for Disease Control & the National Institute of Health) Other country’s economies are feeling similar impact.

One video will be chosen for each of the following categories in the languages listed below for dissemination worldwide:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Fibromyalgia
Gulf War Syndrome
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
AD HOC : Humor

Production Requirement, Guidelines and Video Selection
The message in each video category must be uplifting and it must create and or raise awareness of the courage and determination that individuals with neuroendocrineimmune disorders experience when facing adversity caused by these illnesses. The message must include quality of life issues that these individuals have to face daily in order to survive and thrive.

All videos submitted must include the following announcement at the end: "This is the public service ad chosen by P.A.N.D.O.R.A. - Patient Alliance for Neuroendocrineimmune Disorders Organization for Research and Advocacy, Inc. for its international Advocacy Video Contest. P.A.N.D.O.R.A. is built on Hope, strong on Advocacy and through increased Research a Cure can be found for these illnesses. Please visit our web site at www.pandoranet.info

Videos can be produced in the following languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Japanese.

Production Length- Minimum: 2 minutes - Maximum: 3 minutes - Production must be in color and be able to be reproduced into DVD/CDs suitable for electronic transmission and be suitable for public service announcements in the media nationally and internationally.

Video Selection - The public will vote on each video presented and uploaded on YouTube.com, but P.A.N.D.O.R.A., Inc., its affiliates, and partner organizations will make the final decision as to which video will represent each category.

Videos sent to P.A.N.D.O.R.A. for this contest will become property of P.A.N.D.O.R.A., Inc and its affiliates, and partners organizations. No financial compensation will be provided for any video submitted. This is a community outreach program. All rights are and will be exclusive held by P.A.N.D.O.R.A and its affiliates. We reserve the right to refuse any videos that do not comply with contest requirements and guidelines.

Please submit your videos to http://www.youtube.com/group/pandoravideocontest where they can be uploaded for viewing. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW DATES FOR THE CONTEST. IT HAS BEEN EXTENDED. Contest will run from Oct 11, 2006 to April 30, 2007, 9:00 pm Eastern Time.