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Caregivers and supporters highlighted in
“Make Fibromyalgia Visible” theme
ANAHEIM, Calif.—(26 May 2010)— Michelle Kerzetski and her
husband, Brian don’t have fibromyalgia. But, on Saturday, May 15, the Las Vegas
couple found themselves at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), walking
along side hundreds of people “with all degrees of fibromyalgia who were surrounded
by loved ones, family and friends who offered unconditional support.”
In honor of their good friend and fibromyalgia sufferer,
Cindy “Bubs” Earl, the Kerzetskis made up the two-member “Team
Archer” who participated in the 3rd Annual 1K and 5K Walk of F.A.M.E.
(Fibromyalgia Awareness Means Everything).
The walk was part of the day-long activities that also included a Wellness
Fair, educational seminars and concert commemorating National Fibromyalgia
Awareness Day hosted by the National
Fibromyalgia Association
(NFA) and the Fibromyalgia Research and Education
Center at CSUF.
“The event gave me great affirmation that one of the
greatest things I can do as a friend or relative of someone with fibromyalgia
is offer that kind of love that screams "I-can't-make-the-fibro-pain-go-away-but-I'm-gonna-do-everything-I-possibly-can-to-help-you-get-through-this!”
said Michelle Kerzetski.
New theme song debuts
“That kind of love and unconditional support” for people
with fibromyalgia now has a theme song: “Remember the Love,” (formerly called
“Vigil Song”) was performed later in the evening by R&B recording artist
and new NFA spokesperson, Tony Terry, whose wife has fibromyalgia. The Terrys
are featured on the cover of the new issue of Fibromyalgia
AWARE magazine
(“In sickness and in health: Portrait of a Marriage”).
According to the NFA, “Remember the Love” is dedicated to
the over 10 million people affected by fibromyalgia in the U.S. and 3-5 percent
worldwide. Terry and Pasquale Talarico, who wrote the song which was inspired
by his mother and fibromyalgia sufferer, Phyllis Talarico, sang “Remember the
Love” as part of the event’s closing candle lighting ceremony in the evening.
“Never, ever did I imagine I would be a caregiver to my wife
or anyone for that matter,” Tony Terry admitted to the crowd, “but, I love my
wife, I love our son and I’m glad that I could lend my voice to raise awareness
of this illness and the important role of caregivers. You don’t walk out on a
situation where you’re needed. And, if it were the other way around—if I’m the
one who’s sick—I know she would care for me, too.”
Lynne Matallana, president and founder of the National
Fibromyalgia Association, said she was proud that the NFA and Cal State
Fullerton fulfilled the purpose of Awareness Day by “providing patients with
helpful information, allowing them to meet and talk to others living with
fibromyalgia. “ Matallana said the attendees were especially moved by Tony
Terry and the candle lighting ceremony. “The song really touched the patients’
hearts and gave them hope for the future.”
“We were very pleased to share the Center’s services in
advancing research, education, and professional practice related to
fibromyalgia and overlapping conditions,” said Cal State Fullerton Professor
Jessie Jones, who is also the Center’s Director. “I was motivated to develop
the Center after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago. The research
team consists of faculty from gerontology, health science, kinesiology, nursing
psychology, and sociology. If you are interest in are education programs or
research projects, please call 657-278-7031.”
“Make Fibromyalgia Visible”
“Make Fibromyalgia Visible” was the NFA’s
theme for this year’s National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, officially observed
on May 12. Awareness Day is designed to increase awareness and understanding of
fibromyalgia – a chronic pain disorder usually characterized by chronic
widespread pain, multiple tender points, abnormal pain processing, sleep
disturbances, fatigue and often psychological distress
About the National Fibromyalgia Association
The National Fibromyalgia Association is a
501(c) 3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Anaheim, California whose
mission is: To develop and execute programs dedicated to improving the
quality of life for people with fibromyalgia. The NFA publishes FM Aware magazine, which recently went digital
in 2010. For more information, visit www.fmaware.org.
RELATED LINKS:
“Students
dedicate day to Fibromyalgia Awareness”
Daily
Titan, May 16, 2010
“Her
son’s music helps ease a mom’s pain”
Orange County Register, 5/14/10
“R&B
Star Tony Terry performs at National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day”
Los Angeles WAVE
, 5/4/10
“Resident
to speak at fibromyalgia awareness event”
Orange County Register
, 5/4/10
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