Since its inception in 1997, the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) has been the organization leading the call for increased recognition of fibromyalgia. In honor of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day commemorated each May 12th, the NFA has staged groundbreaking national and international events in an effort to increase awareness of chronic pain illnesses including fibromyalgia. Awareness Day seeks to help patients and organizations educate the general public, healthcare professionals, government officials, and legislative bodies.
THE RESULTS:
With the ongoing support and cooperation of the NFA’s corporate sponsors and nationwide network of Support Groups, National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day has become one of the most successful outreach campaigns in terms of media exposure and raising general awareness.
Support Group Leaders and their members disseminate the NFA’s Public Service Announcements, posters, banners and publications to members of their community and local media. Support Groups also organize picnics, seminars, lectures, fashion shows, meetings and Open House activities for this special day. As a result, hundreds of articles on National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day have been covered by the media, generating millions of media impressions. As part of the NFA’s Proclamation campaign, Support Group leaders request and receive proclamations from their local and state officials.
Here are just some of the NFA’s most recent Awareness Day campaigns:
2006 - "But, You Don't Look Sick!"
2006 - “But You Don’t Look Sick: The Invisible Pain of Fibromyalgia”
This campaign aimed to raise awareness of fibromyalgia as a real illness, and to inform people that, despite the lack of outward, physical signs of fibromyalgia symptoms, people with fibromyalgia do indeed experience intense physical suffering from this oftentimes debilitating illness.
2007 - “Fibromyalgia in Focus”
2007 - “Fibromyalgia in Focus”
Recognizing the significance of bringing public awareness through broadcast mediums, the NFA and Trillusion Media, makers of the groundbreaking documentary film “Living with Fibromyalgia,” partnered together to coordinate screenings across the country. “Living with Fibromyalgia” is the first documentary film to explore the most intimate feelings and life-altering experiences of people living with FM.
2008 - "Caring by Sharing" and WALK of FAME
2008
“Caring by Sharing” and Inaugural Walk of F.A.M.E. (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything)
The nationwide, multi-faceted campaign provided three different opportunities for support group leaders, advocates, patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and the FM community as a whole to express their support for the cause by sharing the PATH, YOUR TIME, or FM INFORMATION. This was also the year for the NFA’s inaugural WALK of F.A.M.E., a run/walk and health expo held near NFA’s corporate headquarters in Orange County, California. Similar walks were held throughout the country.
2009 - "Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone"
2009
“Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone”
The campaign focused on the far-reaching effects of fibromyalgia—from broken lives to the economic costs to patients and society. This year also marked the NFA’s Inaugural “Lights of Hope” Candlelight Observance, which followed a brief walk with over 100 local support group leaders and members around the perimeter of the capitol building in Sacramento, California. “Lights of Hope” aimed to honor the 10 million men, women and children in the United States who are affected by fibromyalgia. At the culmination of the walk, the participants “lit” ten large cranberry-colored candles, each candle representing 1 million people with fibromyalgia. In addition, more than 800 smaller white and yellow candles were also lit. The candles had been requested by patients and their family and friends who are currently homebound to be lit on their behalf at the Candlelight Observance. Finally, the walkers read aloud the names of more than 800 people with fibromyalgia who took part “Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone.”
2010 - "Make Fibromyalgia Visible"
2010
“Make Fibromyalgia Visible”
Over 700 people turned out for the NFA’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day held at California State University, Fullerton. The all-day event included the NFA’s 3rd Annual 1K and 5K Walk of F.A.M.E. and an evening concert by R&B singer Tony Terry, whose wife, LaRondra, has fibromyalgia. Terry debuted “Remember the Love,” (formerly called “Vigil Song”), and performed along with Pasquale Talarico, who wrote the song which was inspired by his mother and fibromyalgia sufferer, Phyllis Talarico. “Remember the Love” was part of the event’s closing candle lighting ceremony.
2011 - "Walk to CURE FM"
For 2011, the NFA is proud to support the Awareness Day campaign efforts of the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association. Their inaugural theme is ‘WALK TO CURE FM.” For more information on how you may get involved, please visit their website at www.fmcpaware.org
