Raffle Offers Unique Experience for SoCal Residents

Proceeds Help People Affected by Fibromyalgia

ANAHEIM, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2009)—The National Fibromyalgia Association is pleased to announce the launch of its Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Helicopter Fly-Along Raffle. The winner will have the opportunity to fly with the Sheriff's Department Aero Bureau, patrolling the skies over Los Angeles County in a modern jet helicopter. The raffle will begin on September 1, in conjunction with National Pain Awareness Month, and continue through October 31.

 
“We are excited to offer this rare opportunity as our grand prize,” says Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association, headquartered in Anaheim. “This approximately two-hour fly-along is not a tour flight; it is an arduous patrol flight with airborne law enforcement officers doing real police work.”

In addition to the helicopter fly-along, a Dell Mini Netbook Computer, a $200 Best Buy gift card, a Hannah Montana musical wall clock and a variety of entertainment tickets will be raffled. Individual raffle tickets are $25; a value pack of five tickets costs $100. Proceeds from the raffle will help to support programs for people with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder that affects an estimated 10 million men, women and children in the United States.

“The NFA would like to extend a special thank-you to Sheriff’s Captain Steven Roller and his wife Lynn, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2003, for their prize donations and help in obtaining the helicopter fly-along, as well as our other supporters,” says Matallana. “Proceeds raised from the raffle will help to support NFA efforts, which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.”

The raffle drawing will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the NFA headquarters in Anaheim. Winners will be notified by email or phone. For information on purchasing a raffle ticket, visit www.fmaware.org/helicopter_raffle.

About the NFA
The National Fibromyalgia Association, headquartered in Anaheim, California, is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fibromyalgia. Its mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. Efforts focus on patient support and education, awareness outreach, healthcare provider education, patient advocacy and the facilitation of scientific research.

About Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects people physically, mentally and socially. The disorder, which affects an estimated 10 million Americans, is characterized by chronic widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep disturbances, fatigue and, often, psychological distress. For those with severe symptoms, fibromyalgia can be extremely debilitating and interfere with basic daily activities.