Walk of FAME to raise awareness of fibromyalgia

Wednesday, May 12, was International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and a video presentation on “Living with Fibromyalgia–A Journey of Hope and Understanding” was shown at Logan Regional Hospital Wednesday evening. On Saturday, May 15, the second annual Walk of FAME will be held at Willow Park starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Lions Pavilion. Chantille Warby, who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several years ago, says in this case FAME stands for “Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything.” The event is sponsored by the Utah Fibromyalgia Association with help from a local support group.”We’re just out there to reach out to the community,” Warby says, “to let them know that there’s a support group out there for them, that there are other people out there with the same illness.”Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Jan Chambers has worked hard to raise public awareness and she now heads the Utah Fibromyalgia Association and serves as vice chair for the National Leaders Organization.Chambers says awareness is extremely important.”Fibromyalgia is a real illness that can be diagnosed,” Chambers says. “People with fibromyalgia can find ways to improve their quality of life. “Two percent, and that’s a conservative figure, two percent of the population worldwide have fibromyalgia. That means 2,000 in Cache Valley, and yet 50% of those have not been formally diagnosed but they just feel terrible, they have all of the symptoms.”Warby says Saturday’s event is informal and informative. “(It’s) just a chance to get together, meet, have lunch,” she says. “Then we’ll have some activities that further helps people understand fibromyalgia. It’s also meant for their friends and family to come so that they know what they can do to support their loved one.”Warby said not only is it a good way for families to enjoy the walk, snacks and other activities, it is also a chance to learn more about where there is help for diagnosis, treatment and understanding of fibromyalgia.On KVNU’s Crosstalk show Tuesday, Chambers said the Fibromyalgia Association promotes public awareness and understanding to support patients, families and friends in their search for useful information and methods to improve their condition. For more information call 435-754-6502.

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