2009 Awareness Day Campaign a Success
Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone

 
ANAHEIM, Calif. —From the Joey Scouts who waved Walk of FAME signs in Australia, to the mayors of Texarkana, Texas and Texarkana, Arkansas who presented a joint proclamation at the state line, thousands of supporters took part in this year’s Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Led by the National Fibromyalgia Association, the 2009 campaign—“Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone”—focused on the far-reaching effects of this chronic pain disorder.

Officially observed on May 12, outreach efforts took place throughout the month of May. “Areas around the world were represented in this year’s campaign,” says Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the NFA. “It’s both inspiring and comforting to see the unique ways supporters bring attention to this often misunderstood disorder, as well as to see their commitment and passion to advance fibromyalgia education, advocacy efforts and research.”

The NFA’s Walk of FAME (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything) is a major component of the campaign. In an effort to increase participation and maximize outreach efforts, this year’s event consisted of walks in local communities nationally and worldwide. More than 100 people joined the NFA in Anaheim and Sacramento; others formed their own teams for the second annual event in areas as far-flung as Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Australia. A major fundraiser for the NFA, this year’s Walk of FAME raised more than $31,000. Proceeds will be used to support programs that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals affected by fibromyalgia. (Click here more information about NFA programs.)

Besides the walk, supporters also organized seminars, lectures, bake sales, concert benefits, and candlelight observances—and one group competed in the 29th Annual Super Chevy Show. In communities across the country, FM advocates set up information stands on college campuses and in hospital lobbies, as well as other locations. Others screened the “Living With Fibromyalgia” documentary. On May 12, Sirena Dufault of Arizona completed the final stretch of her 800-mile Fibromyalgia Awareness Hike. As they do each year, dozens of FM supporters received proclamations from their local officials, and the Awareness Day campaign received lots of media attention—online, in print, on the radio and on television.

 
For details on the 2009 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day campaign, including two slideshows, click here.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FIBROMYALGIA ASSOCIATION:
The National Fibromyalgia Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA publishes a quarterly magazine, Fibromyalgia AWARE, and hosts an award-winning website at www.FMaware.org.