"Living with Fibromyalgia" receives rave reviews at premiere screening

Partial Proceeds from DVD of Film to Benefit National Fibromyalgia Association

Orange, CA - November 28, 2006

Approximately 150 people attended the premiere of "Living with Fibromyalgia" last Saturday, November 18 at the Folino Theatre at Chapman University, and almost as many bought the DVD of the film, which was available immediately after the screening.

"The tremendous response to this film just goes to show the enthusiasm of the fibromyalgia community and our willingness to support those efforts that bring awareness and help tell our story to the world," said Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA).

Partial proceeds of the DVD sales were donated to the NFA, which hosted the screening of "Living with Fibromyalgia," the first documentary film to explore the most intimate feelings and life altering experiences of people living with fibromyalgia.

Filmmakers Daneen Akers, whose mother Darlene, has fibromyalgia, and Stephen Eyer sold their house in San Diego to finance the documentary, the first of its kind. "Our society places a great deal of stock in what we see on screen and television," said Akers. "Finally seeing a film about fibromyalgia validated and empowered the audience."

During the Q&A session after the film, some audience members cried, explaining this had been the first time they had been with other fibromyalgia patients, let alone see them on the 'big screen.'  "It felt very satisfying to see our film affect people in such a profound and meaningful way," said Eyer.

Matallana and Darlene Akers were among the seven fibromyalgia patients interviewed in the film. "I'm humbled by the small part I had in this," said Akers, who attended the screening along with her children. "I believe Daneen and Stephen have accomplished what they set out to do, which was to give hope to families with chronic pain. I'm also so glad they found the NFA for all the incredible work they are doing!"

"Living with Fibromyalgia" is available for purchase at www.LivingwithFM.com. Ten percent of the proceeds of each DVD sold will be donated to the National Fibromyalgia Association.

About the NFA

The National Fibromyalgia Association is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia by increasing the awareness of the public, media, government and medical communities. The NFA publishes a quarterly magazine, Fibromyalgia AWARE and hosts an award-winning website at www.FMaware.org.