There has been a lot of press lately about fibromyalgia (FM)- through articles in the NY Times questioning whether it exists (?!) to new TV ads highlighting women who inform the viewers of their symptoms and the new medication (Lyrica) available to help manage it. You can almost hear the collective sigh of those who have struggled to be heard and seen for so long. Although this program focuses primarily on living with lupus, it is no secret that living with lupus often times involves living with FM as well. So, it is important that MLWT cover as many aspects of the lupus experience as possible and that includes participating in recognizing fibromylagia as REAL.
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (according to the National Fibromyalgia Association) is on May 12th, with the Inaugural Walk of Fame 5K scheduled for May 10th. There is a lot of activity in research, advocacy, social events and the community/social networks that you can find throughout the internet. MLWT relies on information from you to stay current and asks those of you with FM to contact us with what websites, organizations, books and local support groups you know of that others might benefit from. If you are new to fibromyalgia, a good place to start are the following links: National Fibromylagia Association , the Fibromyalgia Network and our own local Oregon Fibromyalgia Foundation at OHSU . Also check the Events Calendar for May 9th where the Fibromyalgia Support group in Salmon Creek is meeting. If you know of other groups in Oregon and SW Washington, please email us at webmaster@mylifeworkstoday.com with your meeting schedules and locations.
I would also like to mention an email I received from Beverly from Elsie, OR (outside of Seaside) regarding her decision to join in on the Walk of Fame virtually. She is very active in fibro advocacy and education and has had it herself for several years. Although she plans to walk the 5K on the beach with her friend Sara from Warrenton, she “virtually” joined a team down where the actual walk will be taking place (in Orange County, CA). I offered to place her email on the website in the blog chat thread in the Lounge. Although the registration for the walk ends tonight, it is never too late to consider sponsoring this hard-working gal in doing something she feels strongly about: to help in the effort to keep FM very visible, support future research efforts and give those who have it some much needed recognition and support. Here is her personal page for you to visit and consider sponsoring her.
Even if you aren’t able to sponsor, join in on the walk or know of anyone directly with FM, take a minute on May 12th to stretch and send your thoughts to those we honor this month – and every day-
