National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and the 2nd Annual Walk of FAME

Anaheim, California - March 25, 2009

The National Fibromyalgia Association is pleased to share the components of its 2009 National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day campaign, “Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone,” which focuses on the far-reaching effects of this chronic pain disorder—from broken lives to the economic costs for patients and society.

“The 2009 campaign features several exciting elements, including programs that have proven successful in previous campaigns and new opportunities that patients and family members can take part in to further expand FM awareness and outreach efforts,” says Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National Fibromyalgia Association.

Elements for the 2009 Awareness Day campaign include:

* NFA's 2nd Annual Walk of FAME (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything)

* Virtual Walker Opportunity

* Walk of FAME Drawing

* Candlelight Observance

* Proclamation Program

* “Fibromyalgia Affects Everyone” Events (i.e. seminars, car shows)

* Pledge to Care Program

* Media and Community Outreach

* Awareness Day Products

* Post-Event Slide Show

The NFA's Walk of FAME (Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything) event is a major component of Awareness Day. This year's walk will consist of hundreds of buddy-type walks in local communities nationally and worldwide. On or around May 12, teams of three or more patients, family and friends—wearing Walk of FAME T-shirts and equipped with information cards—will walk at an array of popular destinations, including shopping malls, college campuses, and even around Disneyland.

You can learn more about the Walk of FAME and other Awareness Day opportunities on the NFA's website. Register your Walk of FAME team, take part in the Candlelight Observance, and find out how to obtain a Fibromyalgia Awareness Day proclamation from your local elected officials! Check back often as this section will be continually updated through May 2009.

About the NFA

The National Fibromyalgia Association is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA focuses on patient support and education, awareness outreach, healthcare provider education, patient advocacy and the facilitation of scientific research. For more information, visit http://www.fmaware.org/