National Fibromyalgia Association to Host Largest Gathering of International Fibromyalgia Patients at 3rd Annual "Leaders Against Pain"

25 Leaders from around the world to attend media & advocacy training in D.C.

Anaheim, CA - August 2, 2007

Twenty-five fibromyalgia patients and advocates from 14 countries around the world will be joining their U.S. counterparts at the National Fibromyalgia Association's 3 rd Annual "Leaders Against Pain (LAP)" seminar on August 22-23 in Washington , D.C.

The "Leaders" originating from five continents is the largest contingent of international fibromyalgia patients to attend the NFA's one-of-a-kind media, leadership and advocacy training program since its inception in 2005. From the U.S. , 40 Leaders will also participate in this year's seminar.

Approximately 100 support group leaders and advocates have already gone through the program to become members of the Leaders Against Pain Coalition. The NFA hopes to partner with the incoming international leaders and current LAP Coalition members to develop collaborative programs to create and expand fibromyalgia awareness, advocacy and research on an international scale.

Fibromyalgia experts estimate that about 10 million Americans and approximately five percent of the population worldwide suffer with this complex chronic pain illness.

"For decades people with fibromyalgia have continued to be misunderstood and underserved throughout the world," said Lynne Matallana, president of the National Fibromyalgia Association." There is a need for the development of long-term initiatives and commitments in order to forge alliances and collaborative programs to help improve the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia globally."

Countries to be represented at the 3 rd Annual Leaders Against Pain include: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan the United Kingdom and the United States

This year, Leaders will also attend the MYOPAIN Society's 7 th World Congress on Myofascial Pain Syndrome and Fibromyalgia August 19-23 at the Capitol Hilton.

The 3rd Annual International Leaders Against Pain Seminar is made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Eli Lily (Title Sponsor). Supporting sponsors include Purdue Pharma, Pfizer, Wyeth and Fibronol.

For more information about the Leaders Against Pain Coalition and upcoming Seminar, visit: http://www.fmaware.org.

About the National Fibromyalgia Association

The National Fibromyalgia Association is a [501(c) 3] nonprofit 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 Fibromyalgia AWARE magazine three times a year and hosts its award-winning website www.FMaware.org.