May 12 is International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Millions of people worldwide will be holding events, and participating in other ways to help raise awareness for this invisible and insidious disease. There is something that each of us in the U.S. can do. I would encourage you to call your representatives in Congress, and ask them to sponsor a bill that will generate more awareness and financial support to help find a cure.
What are some other ways you can help to raise awareness during the month of May? I’ll talk about a few, but I’d also really like to hear your ideas. Find one or more ways you are comfortable with, and perhaps one that takes you outside of your comfort zone.
1. Share your story: You can write it out and email it to those you want to help understand what your life is like because of fibromyalgia. Share the symptoms and the struggles. Post a condensed version on social media, letting people know your goal is to raise awareness.
2. Think purple: If you have an outside light, change the bulb to a purple one. Wear a purple fibromyalgia shirt, bracelet, hat, etc., not to draw attention to yourself, but to spark a conversation about what FM is.
3. Create a Facebook page: You can post articles, graphics, links to your favorite FM groups or blogs, anything you can think of to help raise awareness. Post the link to your page on all your social media accounts.
4. Join some national organizations such as:
– National Fibromyalgia Association
– National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association
– Fibromyalgia Action UK
– Monthly newsletter sign up from Emerge AU
5. Join a live or virtual Together Walk: You can start a local fundraising event through a virtual walk. Check out their page, it’s very impressive.
6. Make posters with info about FM and put them up in local store windows and libraries or bookstores. Be sure to get permission.
7. Have a yard sale or garage sale (perhaps involve your neighbors for a streetwide one) to raise money and awareness. Let people know where you will be donating the money you raise. Perhaps order some brochures to hand out.
These are just a few ways you help to raise fibromyalgia awareness this month, particularly on May 12. What ideas would you like to share?
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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.
It’s May sweeps! Contact your local news stations and tell them you have a story about a really bizarre illness that takes away your life as you know and that people don’t believe is real. If that’s not a story, I don’t know what is! (Seriously, Robin. A garage sale? Who’s got the energy for that?)
You are right Robin, but…..no one want to listen to Us, no one really cares….
Viviane,I disagree. The more people reach out to raise awareness and educate those around us, the better it is
@Robin Agreed!
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Join a support group! Our area support group is having a awareness day picnic. Games, prizes, all family and friend welcome (this way we have healthy bodies to help with set up *wink*), a car decorating contest, ending with a purple balloon release, and hope to be on the local news. Yes, it’s a ton of work but really gets the word or and it’s my favorite event we put on all year!!
Judy, that sounds amazing! ?
Hello,
Some people in my office make me feel that I’m just a hindrance, because I’m sick must of the time.
At the beginning I used to talk to my coworkers about my condition and tried to educate them, but later on I just realized that some of them made fun of me on my back.
I hate the way I feel in this place.
Sometimes I wish to have a kind of cancer instead, because apparently this is the only illness that people respect and understand. 🙁
Hi Maribel. Thank you for sharing your feelings. It is incredibly brave to do so. Unfortunately, you are not alone in how you are feeling. So many people have problems with others who don’t believe they have an illness or make fun of their limitations. Try to stay strong, surround yourself with those who do love you and look at support groups that can help encourage you through these bad moments.
Thanks, your words mean a lot for me?
Another great method to raise awareness is to organize a walk or rundedicated to the cause. Many local governments jump on board and assist in promotion and logistics. A small fee could be attached to the runner or walker as a registration fee, that can help fund the activity or be donated to the cause. I am located in the Florida area and would be happy to help any efforts. To those dealing with this disease, I urge you to transcend the pain, discomfort, and ignorance of others and focus on what is truly important in life.
Maribel, I have often said that I would rather have cancer. Why? Because I would either be dead, cured or in remission! Horrible thing to say, I know, but trying to educate people about this horribly bizarre illness is some days just too much…