Fibromyalgia awareness

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone, Please excuse this moment to here me out. This is very important for something is coming, effecting the people in our country, our state, our city, even in our family. Its called Fibromyalgia. You are most likely going Fibro what? I did that when Dr Coner, an ER doctor in North Carolina came out to tell me the overwhelming pain, migraines and sleep disorder was all due to this strange illness. He began by sitting down and explaining to my friend and I where to go read, what ideas to try, and that my Nero doctor agreed with his findings. This was frightening yes, but... Waking up the next morning and having tremors that just would not stop and pain so bad was even worse. It took weeks to get the tremors under control, and I was so tired. My kids hated now that everything we knew had to change. My work, doing things with the family, every day life was not to be known as it was.... Its now almost seven years since that night Dr Coner spoke those words to me. Since then even through life trails, two of my children have graduated from high school. My oldest son is leaving for the army soon, my daughter wants to finish college in hope to go into forensic medicine. I would love to see my children accomplish this... My youngest son has PDD Pervasive Developmental Delays, and yes he also has Fibromyalgia. PDD is in the autism spectrum but I tell you he looks just like you or me. He is a few years behind but trying will he is to catch up. The Fibromyalgia has given him GERD, IBS, Migraines, vision problems, sensitivity to sound, light, and he breaks out on a whim. So with the help of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we are ready to try to treat what we can. He is my angel, and I am very proud of his bravery am proud that all three of my children do the best they can at all times. Its not been easy with me so ill. Today is important to all of us. Today we need to spread the awareness through the world. Fibromyalgia is painful but we will not allow it to be silent any longer. Please join me and the other groups around the world in spreading the information need to get research and knowledge for this painful auto-immune disease... Thank you In Ohio USA View our Awareness Day Public Service Announcement Links to additional information Proclamation - Event Information Form - Sample Story Fibronol Sleep Challenge - Time Line - Events Purchase Awareness Day products online Purchase Awareness Day products by fax or mail Dear Friends: Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is right around the corner and this year’s theme “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia” is something that everyone in the Fibromyalgia community can relate to! We hope that you will join us in our ongoing efforts to bring awareness to the issues surrounding Fibromyalgia and to personally add your voice to this year’s campaign so that we can make sure that the future will be brighter for everyone living with and affected by Fibromyalgia! The National Fibromyalgia Association has created a variety of programs that you can implement in your own local community. Each local effort will help assure that this year’s Awareness Day will be the biggest and most successful ever! Everyone who gets involved will make a difference and together we can rest assured that Fibromyalgia will not be invisible any more! Best wishes to all~ Lynne Matallana Awareness Day Items Now Available Posters [ buy ] Cookie Lee Pin [ buy ] Fibromyalgia Awareness Wristband [ buy ] National Fibromyalgia Association and Citrucel® Launch Awareness Day 2006 Campaign “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia” If you have Fibromyalgia, chances are you’ve been told that “you don’t look sick!” The medical community has not yet discovered a marker for diagnosing this chronic pain condition, which afflicts over 10 million Americans. Patients’ outward physical appearance remains relatively unaffected: no bruises, no discoloration, no physical indication of the pain they are suffering. “This issue of ‘invisibility’ often adds to the challenge of gaining credibility and support for this illness from friends, family, co-workers, the media, and even some in the medical community,” says Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). “Many of us are still being told that Fibromyalgia is ‘all in our heads.’” To raise awareness of Fibromyalgia as a real illness and to bring attention to its hidden symptoms, including sleep disorders, migraine headaches, depression, fatigue and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), the NFA and Citrucel® today launched this year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (commemorated on May 12, 2006) with the theme: “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia.” The NFA’s Awareness Day 2006 poster (click here to order) features the candid Polaroid photos of four people with fibromyalgia who don’t look sick, along with captions detailing the year they were diagnosed. “Our poster this year shows real people with a real illness,” explains Matallana. “It’s very hard to be told your pain is not real, but this year’s Awareness Day is an important opportunity for the fibromyalgia community to educate the public about new treatments and support for research of this illness. You may not see their pain, but these people are definitely not invisible!” Citrucel®, a 100% soluble fiber therapy that won’t ferment to cause excess gas, is a first-time sponsor of Awareness Day. Rob Schwartz, Brand Manager for Citrucel®, says, “We are excited to be part of the NFA’s Awareness Day campaign. This year’s theme in particular gives us a unique opportunity to tell the fibromyalgia community of the benefits of our product in helping relieve the constipation associated with IBS, an ‘invisible’ symptom of fibromyalgia, as well as show our support for the important work being done by the NFA.” Many thanks to our Awareness Day sponsors: HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO! If you want to participate in this year’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, the NFA is recommending the following activities to help raise awareness: Take a photo of yourself and send to your local media, along with your brief story. Click here for a sample story. Order the NFA’s poster and post it at your local community centers, libraries, hospitals, schools, etc. Click here to view the poster. Order the 2006 Awareness Day butterfly pin from Cookie Lee. They make great conversation starters! Click here to order. Host an Awareness Day event by your Support Group. Request a proclamation from your local officials declaring May 12, 2006 as National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Click here for a sample Proclamation. Take the Fibronol Big Sleep-In Challenge and be eligible to win a free 6-months supply of Fibronol™. Click here to enter contest. Show the DVD “Fibromyalgia: Show Me Where It Hurts.” Click here to order your copy of this documentary, which details cutting-edge research into FM. Keep reading for more Awareness Day tips! Countdown to AWARENESS DAY 2006: Timeline for SuccessBy Corin Walson, NFA Director of Public Relations To Support Group Leaders, Members and Advocates: National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12, 2006. Since its inception in 1997, the National Fibromyalgia Association has led Awareness Day activities nationwide and globally in an effort to increase awareness of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses, particularly in the media. With the support and cooperation of many Support Groups around the country and the NFA’s corporate partners, last year’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day was one of the most successful ever in terms of media exposure and raising general awareness. Support Group Leaders and their members disseminated the NFA’s Public Service Announcements, posters, banners and Fibromyalgia AWARE magazines to members of their community and local media. Support Groups also organized picnics, seminars, lectures, fashion shows, meetings and Open House activities for this special day. Many of you were featured in your local media! As part of the NFA’s Proclamation campaign, Support Group leaders requested and received proclamations in seven states, including four gubernatorial proclamations, declaring May 12, 2005 as National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. It was truly an amazing Awareness Day, thanks to all of you! With your continued support, I know we can make Awareness Day 2006 even better! Here’s how: The key to a successful campaign is planning! So, here are some suggestions on how to plan for a great Awareness Day media and outreach campaign: Location! Location! Location! If your group is planning on hosting an event, start looking around for a venue now. Many places are booked months in advance. Budget is always an issue, so try to find places that offer free space for community groups even for just a few hours. Libraries, hospitals, community and health centers (YMCA’s come to mind) and even some doctors will offer their office space for after patient hours. Same applies to speakers: the more advance notice you give them, the more likely they will be able to fit you into their calendars. And remember, this is also an ELECTION YEAR! Don’t be shy: go ahead and invite them to attend your event. Not only do they add prestige to your event, but this is a great opportunity to bring Awareness Day to the attention of public officials and candidates. It’s time to request a Proclamation! Depending on your local official’s requirements, you need to put in your request as early as possible. Click here for a sample proclamation. It is time to start tracking down those health reporters. Write down the names of reporters (bylines) who write about health or community events. Call or go to the websites of newspapers, television or radio stations and get the reporter’s contact information. For Calendar of Events, find out when items need to be submitted for publication, not just with media but also community groups’ newsletters and elected officials. (Usually, it’s 4 to 6 weeks before the event.) APRIL: Shower them with information! Now that you have your date (May 12 or as close to it as possible), time, location, and topic for your event, it’s time to start letting everyone know about it! Send a “Public Service Announcement” to the media. Send a “Save The Date” announcement or a one-page flyer about your event to members of your support group, family, friends, neighbors and your local communities. Don’t forget the hospitals and health care providers! Keep it simple: your flyer or announcements should just include the name of your event, date, time and location, cost (if any), contact information and a brief description about Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and your support group. Order the 2006 Awareness Day posters, specialty pins, magazines and butterfly blouses from the National Fibromyalgia Association. Here’s your opportunity to spread the word!! Click here for merchandise requests. MAY: Awareness Day! Follow up with reporters to make sure they have received your announcements and information. But, remember, there’s a fine thin line between following up and being too pushy with the media. Always be polite and helpful with information. Make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help with your event. Remember this is a team event! If you want to share your own tips, please email them to me at cwalson@.... Thank you! Media Contact: Corin Walson cwalson@... Links to additional information Proclamation - Event Information Form - Sample Story Fibronol Sleep Challenge - Time Line Purchase Awareness Day products online Purchase Awareness Day products by fax or mail National Fibromyalgia Association 2200 N. Glassell St., Suite A, Orange, CA 92865 Phone: Fax: www.fmaware.org ©2006 All rights reserved. National Fibromyalgia Association The information contained in this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult with your physician on all matters related to your health and medical treatment. Copyright © 2006 National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) All rights reserved. No portion of fmaware.org may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.This site may contain links to websites not administered by the National Fibromyalgia Association. The National Fibromyalgia Association, is not responsible or liable for the accuracy or the content of linked pages. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for helping spread the word! NicholeChristie wrote: Hello everyone, Please excuse this moment to here me out. This is very important for something is coming, effecting the people in our country, our state, our city, even in our family. Its

called Fibromyalgia. You are most likely going Fibro what? I did that when Dr Coner, an ER doctor in North Carolina came out to tell me the overwhelming pain, migraines and sleep disorder was all due to this strange illness. He began by sitting down and explaining to my friend and I where to go read, what ideas to try, and that my Nero doctor agreed with his findings. This was frightening yes, but... Waking up the next morning and having tremors that just would not stop and pain so bad was even worse. It took weeks to get the tremors under control, and I was so tired. My kids hated now that everything we knew had to change. My work, doing things with the family, every day life was not to be known as it was.... Its now almost seven years since that night Dr Coner spoke those words to me. Since then even through life trails, two of my children have graduated from high school. My oldest son is leaving for the army soon, my

daughter wants to finish college in hope to go into forensic medicine. I would love to see my children accomplish this... My youngest son has PDD Pervasive Developmental Delays, and yes he also has Fibromyalgia. PDD is in the autism spectrum but I tell you he looks just like you or me. He is a few years behind but trying will he is to catch up. The Fibromyalgia has given him GERD, IBS, Migraines, vision problems, sensitivity to sound, light, and he breaks out on a whim. So with the help of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we are ready to try to treat what we can. He is my angel, and I am very proud of his bravery am proud that all three of my children do the best they can at all times. Its not been easy with me so ill. Today is important to all of us. Today we need to spread the awareness through the world. Fibromyalgia is painful but we will not allow it to be silent any longer. Please join me and the

other groups around the world in spreading the information need to get research and knowledge for this painful auto-immune disease... Thank you In Ohio USA View our Awareness Day Public Service Announcement Links to additional information Proclamation - Event Information Form - Sample Story Fibronol Sleep Challenge - Time Line - Events Purchase Awareness Day products online Purchase Awareness Day products by fax or mail Dear Friends: Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is right around the corner and this year’s theme “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible

Pain of Fibromyalgia” is something that everyone in the Fibromyalgia community can relate to! We hope that you will join us in our ongoing efforts to bring awareness to the issues surrounding Fibromyalgia and to personally add your voice to this year’s campaign so that we can make sure that the future will be brighter for everyone living with and affected by Fibromyalgia! The National Fibromyalgia Association has created a variety of programs that you can implement in your own local community. Each local effort will help assure that this year’s Awareness Day will be the biggest and most successful ever! Everyone who gets involved will make a difference and together we can rest assured that Fibromyalgia will not be invisible any more! Best wishes to all~ Lynne

Matallana Awareness Day Items Now Available Posters [ buy ] Cookie Lee Pin [ buy ] Fibromyalgia Awareness Wristband [ buy ] National Fibromyalgia Association and Citrucel® Launch Awareness Day 2006 Campaign “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia” If you have Fibromyalgia, chances are you’ve been told that “you don’t look sick!” The medical community has not yet discovered a marker for diagnosing this chronic pain condition, which afflicts over 10 million Americans. Patients’ outward physical appearance remains relatively unaffected: no bruises, no discoloration, no physical indication of the

pain they are suffering. “This issue of ‘invisibility’ often adds to the challenge of gaining credibility and support for this illness from friends, family, co-workers, the media, and even some in the medical community,” says Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA). “Many of us are still being told that Fibromyalgia is ‘all in our heads.’” To raise awareness of Fibromyalgia as a real illness and to bring attention to its hidden symptoms, including sleep disorders, migraine headaches, depression, fatigue and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), the NFA and Citrucel® today launched this year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (commemorated on May 12, 2006) with the theme: “But You Don’t Look Sick! The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia.” The NFA’s Awareness Day 2006 poster (click here to order) features the candid Polaroid photos of four people with fibromyalgia who don’t look sick, along with captions detailing the year they were diagnosed. “Our poster this year shows real people with a real illness,” explains Matallana. “It’s very hard to be told your pain is not real, but this year’s Awareness Day is an important opportunity for the fibromyalgia community to educate the public about new treatments and support for research of this illness. You may not see their pain, but these people are definitely not invisible!” Citrucel®, a 100% soluble fiber therapy that won’t ferment to cause excess gas, is a first-time sponsor of Awareness Day. Rob Schwartz, Brand Manager for Citrucel®, says, “We are excited to be part of the NFA’s Awareness

Day campaign. This year’s theme in particular gives us a unique opportunity to tell the fibromyalgia community of the benefits of our product in helping relieve the constipation associated with IBS, an ‘invisible’ symptom of fibromyalgia, as well as show our support for the important work being done by the NFA.” Many thanks to our Awareness Day sponsors: HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO! If you want to participate in this year’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, the NFA is recommending the following activities to help raise awareness: Take a photo of yourself and send to your local media, along with your brief story. Click here for a sample story. Order the NFA’s poster and post it at your local community centers, libraries, hospitals, schools, etc. Click here to view the poster.

Order the 2006 Awareness Day butterfly pin from Cookie Lee. They make great conversation starters! Click here to order. Host an Awareness Day event by your Support Group. Request a proclamation from your local officials declaring May 12, 2006 as National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Click here for a sample Proclamation. Take the Fibronol Big Sleep-In Challenge and be eligible to win a free 6-months supply of Fibronol™. Click here to enter contest. Show the DVD “Fibromyalgia: Show Me Where It Hurts.” Click here to order your copy of this documentary, which details cutting-edge research into FM. Keep reading for more Awareness Day tips! Countdown to AWARENESS DAY 2006: Timeline for SuccessBy Corin Walson, NFA Director of Public Relations To Support Group Leaders, Members and Advocates: National

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12, 2006. Since its inception in 1997, the National Fibromyalgia Association has led Awareness Day activities nationwide and globally in an effort to increase awareness of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses, particularly in the media. With the support and cooperation of many Support Groups around the country and the NFA’s corporate partners, last year’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day was one of the most successful ever in terms of media exposure and raising general awareness. Support Group Leaders and their members disseminated the NFA’s Public Service Announcements, posters, banners and Fibromyalgia AWARE magazines to members of their community and local media. Support Groups also organized picnics, seminars, lectures, fashion shows, meetings and Open House activities for this special day.

Many of you were featured in your local media! As part of the NFA’s Proclamation campaign, Support Group leaders requested and received proclamations in seven states, including four gubernatorial proclamations, declaring May 12, 2005 as National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. It was truly an amazing Awareness Day, thanks to all of you! With your continued support, I know we can make Awareness Day 2006 even better! Here’s how: The key to a successful campaign is planning! So, here are some suggestions on how to plan for a great Awareness Day media and outreach campaign: Location! Location! Location! If your group is planning on hosting an event, start looking around for a venue now. Many places are booked months in advance. Budget is always an issue, so try to find places that offer free space for community groups even for just a few hours. Libraries, hospitals, community and health centers (YMCA’s come to mind) and even some doctors will offer their office space for after patient hours. Same applies to speakers: the more advance notice you give them, the more likely they will be able to fit you into their calendars. And remember, this is also an ELECTION YEAR! Don’t be shy: go ahead and invite them to attend your event. Not only do they add prestige to your event, but this is a great opportunity to bring Awareness Day to the attention of public officials and candidates. It’s time to request a Proclamation! Depending on your local official’s

requirements, you need to put in your request as early as possible. Click here for a sample proclamation. It is time to start tracking down those health reporters. Write down the names of reporters (bylines) who write about health or community events. Call or go to the websites of newspapers, television or radio stations and get the reporter’s contact information. For Calendar of Events, find out when items need to be submitted for publication, not just with media but also community groups’ newsletters and elected officials. (Usually, it’s 4 to 6 weeks before the event.) APRIL: Shower them with information! Now that you have your date (May 12 or as close to it as possible), time, location, and topic for your event, it’s time to start letting everyone know about it! Send a “Public Service Announcement” to the media. Send a “Save The Date” announcement or a one-page flyer about your event to members of your support group, family,

friends, neighbors and your local communities. Don’t forget the hospitals and health care providers! Keep it simple: your flyer or announcements should just include the name of your event, date, time and location, cost (if any), contact information and a brief description about Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and your support group. Order the 2006 Awareness Day posters, specialty pins, magazines and butterfly blouses from the National Fibromyalgia Association. Here’s your opportunity to spread the word!! Click here for merchandise requests. MAY: Awareness Day! Follow up with reporters to make sure they have received your announcements and information. But, remember, there’s a fine thin line between following up and being too pushy with the media. Always be polite and helpful with information. Make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help with your event. Remember this is a team event! If you want to share your own tips, please

email them to me at cwalson@.... Thank you! Media Contact: Corin Walson cwalson@... Links to additional information Proclamation - Event Information Form - Sample Story Fibronol Sleep Challenge - Time Line Purchase Awareness Day products online Purchase Awareness Day products by fax or mail National Fibromyalgia Association 2200 N.

Glassell St., Suite A, Orange, CA 92865 Phone: Fax: www.fmaware.org ©2006 All rights reserved. National Fibromyalgia Association The information contained in this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please always consult with your physician on all matters related to your health and medical treatment. Copyright © 2006 National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) All rights reserved. No portion of fmaware.org may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form.This site may contain links to websites not administered by the National Fibromyalgia Association. The National Fibromyalgia Association, is not responsible or

liable for the accuracy or the content of linked pages. Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. Fibro Awareness Day!

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