Glenbard West grads shed light on autoimmune diseases in honor of late friend

GLEN ELLYN – Anne Berry suffered from a combination of illnesses that affected her ability to function, including myalgic encephalomyelitis, Sjogren's syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome.

The 1987 Glenbard West High School graduate died earlier this year at the age of 47. To shed a light on autoimmune diseases, two of Berry's childhood friends – Connie Flesvig Bane and Amy Carlson – along with Berry's family are hosting a screening of the documentary "Unrest" at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd. in downtown Glen Ellyn.

The movie "Unrest" tells the story of Jennifer Brea and her own struggles with myalgic encephalomyelitis. The documentary premiered in January in the documentary competition at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, where it won a Special Jury Prize for editing.

The event is free, but because seating is limited, those attending the event must RSVP through the Facebook event link at shawurl.com/36c5. Those who are unable to RSVP through the link should email Bane at gbane000@yahoo.com.

Bane and Carlson are 1986 graduates of Glenbard West. Bane said she hopes the film will spread awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis and what Berry suffered through.

"People just don't and haven't heard of this," Bane said. "It's shocking the lack of funding that's going toward this. People can't even get diagnosed or are misdiagnosed. That disease disables between 1 to 2.5 million Americans and 17 to 20 million people worldwide."

There is a worldwide movement, #MillionsMissing, to raise awareness about myalgic encephalomyelitis.

"People who have [myalgic encephalomyelitis] can't leave their homes," Carlson said. "They aren't able to function in society, so they actually do go missing."

Despite the illnesses that she faced, Berry maintained a optimistic attitude.

"In the face of probably almost 10 years of not being able to leave her home, she had an incredible attitude of optimism and hope and vivaciousness," Carlson said.

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If you go

WHAT: "Unrest" screening

WHEN: 7 p.m. Nov. 9

WHERE: Glen Art Theatre, 540 Crescent Blvd., Glen Ellyn

COST: Free

INFO: shawurl.com/36c5