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Fibromyalgia Awareness Day — May 2009
Each May, countless people around the world take part in Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Officially observed on May 12, the event is designed to increase awareness and understanding of fibromyalgia—a chronic pain disorder that affects 3 to 6 percent of the world population. This year’s campaign, “Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone,” focused on the far-reaching effects of this disorder—from health challenges and high economic costs to broken lives and relationships.
 In addition to participating in the NFA’s “Lights of Hope” candlelight observance, proclamation program and second annual Walk of FAME (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything), which consisted of awareness walks in communities across the country and around the world, supporters used a variety of creative tactics to educate members of their local communities about the challenges of FM. Below are some of the highlights of this year’s campaign.
Awareness Day 2009
Click here for a post-event announcement.
Click here for a visual overview of the outreach efforts. SLIDESHOW
“Lights of Hope” Candlelight Observance and Walk
Click here for a post-event announcement.
Click here to watch a video of the event. SLIDESHOW
Top Fundraisers: More than $31,000 was raised by the 2009 Walk of FAME. Proceeds will be used to support NFA programs, which are dedicated to improving the quality of life for people affected by fibromyalgia. This year’s top fundraisers were Alicia McConnell, team captain for The Little Bug That Could. Alicia and her supporters, who walked in Anaheim with the NFA, raised $755. Thirteen-year-old Taylor Vargas of Modesto, Calif., raised more than $1,000. And Kristin David of East Wenatchee Valley, Wash., raised $465. Her dad, who is in Iraq, walked 300 miles as part of her team!
Drawing Results: The following individuals are the winners of the Walk of FAME drawing. Winners can choose to receive a free one-year online membership or a one-year online subscription to Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine. The winners are Kathy Ancheta, Adero Burbridge, Debbie Farber, Katelyn Guidry, Mandy Luchs, Gloria Merk, Stacie ODonnell and Linda Taylor.
Media Coverage: Fibromyalgia Awareness Day received a lot of media attention—online, in print, on the radio and on television. Click on the links below for a sample of the coverage.
History of FM Awareness Day: (click here)
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