NOTE: The deadline to request a candle for the Lights of Hope candlelight observance is May 4. You can, however, request that your name be read during the program. (See below)

On the evening of May 12, 2009, the National Fibromyalgia Association will host its inaugural Candlelight Observance, Lights of Hope, as part of its 2009 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day campaign. The event will honor the 10 million men, women and children in the United States who are affected by fibromyalgia.

At this event, volunteers whose lives have been touched by fibromyalgia will light ten large cranberry-colored candles, each representing 1 million people.

Individuals will also be recognized at this event. Fibromyalgia patients who are currently homebound can request that a yellow candle be lit on their behalf at the Candlelight Observance. People “Living Well with Fibromyalgia” despite the pain can request a green candle be lit on their behalf.

Friends and loved ones of fibromyalgia patients can also take part in the observance. For a donation of $10 to the National Fibromyalgia Association, a white candle will be lit on behalf of the designated person.

The names of all these individuals (click here to view)  will be commemorated at the observance.

The light of all these candles will brighten the evening sky—just as the joint efforts of the fibromyalgia community are brightening the future for all people suffering with this chronic pain disorder.