National Fibromyalgia Association’s Inaugural Walk/Run a Success

Supporters raise more than $100,000 for “Walk of F.A.M.E.”
(Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything)

Anaheim, California, May 14, 2008

Photo provided courtesy of the National Fibromyalgia Association

Under overcast skies, nearly 300 walkers and runners participated in the National Fibromyalgia Association's inaugural “Walk of FAME” Saturday, May 10.

The run/walk and health expo, held at the popular outdoor “The Block at Orange ” mall, was part of the NFA's annual commemoration of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. This year's theme was “Caring by Sharing.”

In addition to the hundreds of participants who ran in the 10 K and walked or ran in the 5K, nearly 340 “virtual walkers” from across the country raised funds to participate in the Walk of FAME, which raised more than $100,000 to support NFA programs.

California State Senator Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana, District 34) and Orange County Supervisor Bill Campbell (3rd District) kicked off the run and walk respectively, and presented proclamations declaring May 12, 2008 National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day in the County of Orange .

Singer-turned-actress Lisa Tucker, a finalist during “American Idol”'s fifth season, sang a rousing rendition of the National Anthem as part of the Walk's opening ceremony.

NFA president Lynne Matallana gave an impassioned speech to the runners and walkers before she herself led members of her “President’s Team” on the 5K walk.

“Twelve years ago, I couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain,” recalled Matallana, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1995. “We have come a long way to ensure patients’ rights for a quick and proper diagnosis and better treatment options, and because of your support and the work of the National Fibromyalgia Association, we are all here today so that we can continue to help the millions of others out there who are suffering with fibromyalgia!”

Support groups across the country also hosted their own Awareness Day walks. If you’re already thinking ahead to Awareness Day 2009, check out these tips for organizing
a walk of your own.

Photo provided courtesy of the National Fibromyalgia Association

Live Podcast

At the start of the opening ceremonies, the NFA also hosted an hour-long live broadcast on BlogTalkRadio, the first citizen-produced and a leading social radio network on the internet. Despite some reception problems during some parts of the segment, several hundred listeners tuned in to the broadcast, which included interviews with Matallana and other runners and walkers at the event.

This was the NFA’s second live podcast on BlogTalkRadio. The first was a one-on-one interview with Matallana on April 25, with over 2,000 listeners.

Both segments are archived on the site, and can be downloaded for free: www.blogtalkradio.com/fibromyalgia.

Heaven Talk Radio

In related news, NFA board member Nancy Derby was the featured guest on Heaven Talk Radio on May 12. Derby, one of the NFA’s founding boardmembers, spoke with “Crosstalk Urban Style” host Marsha Sumner about National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

The taped segment will soon be available through the NFA.

Other sponsors/exhibitors

Sponsors of the National Fibromyalgia Association’s “Walk of FAME” include Pfizer, the University of California, Irvine, Fibronol, Fluid Essentials, Cuddle Ewe, Kantor & Kantor LLP, Time Warner Cable, and Jack FM 93.1

Photo provided courtesy of the National Fibromyalgia Association

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FIBROMYALGIA ASSOCIATION:

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. The NFA publishes a quarterly magazine, Fibromyalgia AWARE, and hosts an award-winning website at http://FMaware.org.