The month of May is Fibromyalgia Awareness Month, in fact the 12th of May is recognised annually as International May 12th Awareness Day, also known as International ME/CFS Awareness Day.
It is held every year to raise awareness of myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia, which is a similar chronic condition that causes pain all over the body.
May 12th is also the birthday of nurse Florence Nightingale [1], 1820-1910, known as “the lady with the lamp.” She was an English social reformer, statistician and the founder of modern nursing. However a little know fact is that she suffered from a debilitating illness resembling ME or fibromyalgia.
To mark her achievements even though she struggled with fatigue, the day was designated an international awareness day for these conditions and other chronic immunological and neurological diseases.
In Gozo there is no support network for people living with the debilitating disability of fibromyalgia. Hopefully this is about to change with a new support network that is being set up by Kerry Webster, who “lives with Fibromyalgia.”
Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long-lasting) disorder that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, as well as fatigue and trouble sleeping.
Scientists do not fully understand what causes it, but people with the disorder have a heightened sensitivity to pain
Kerry is inviting anyone living with this condition to join her this Friday, the 12th of May, at 12pm, to meet and discuss a way forward to form a support network.
Ms Webster said that she has the support of ME/CFS/Fibromyalgia alliance in Malta who have kindly provided some literature for the meeting. She has also set up the ME, CFS & Fibromyalgia Alliance – Gozo group Facebook page. [2]
Kerry explained that “it will be a very informal event, where people can meet, enjoy a cup of tea and talk about their experience to date, so will be very much peer supported.”
The meeting is taking place at the `Stress Free Centre,’ Santa Marta Street, Victoria, Gozo.