National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day Proclamation/Resolution Template

TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS fibromyalgia is a chronic pain illness which affects over ten million people in the United States as a primary illness, and millions more as a secondary illness (2-6 percent of the population); and

WHEREAS millions of people worldwide suffer with fibromyalgia; and

WHEREAS family members of fibromyalgia patients are much more likely to experience the disease, as compared to the inherited trend in other disease states – 8 times more likely with fibromyalgia versus 2 to 3 times in other similar disease states; and

WHEREAS fibromyalgia is not only very common but is typically also very disabling; up to 15-20 percent of fibromyalgia patients may be on long-term disability; and

WHEREAS fibromyalgia, a condition affecting the central nervous system, for which there is currently no cure, causes fatigue and debilitating pain in women, men, and children of all ethnicities, many of which go undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS patients with this illness live with widespread body pain, extreme fatigue, sleep disorders, stiffness and weakness, headaches, numbness and tingling, impairment of memory and concentration; and

WHEREAS patients with fibromyalgia often have a number of co-existing conditions which may include chronic myofascial pain, IBS, TMJD, migraines, environmental sensitivities, anxiety and depression; and

WHEREAS it may take years to receive a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and medical professionals frequently are inadequately educated on the current research, diagnosis, and treatment of fibromyalgia; and

WHEREAS increased awareness and expanded knowledge of the realities of  living with fibromyalgia and its impact on patients’ quality of life will allow the community at large to better support people who struggle with the challenges of this chronic-pain illness; and

WHEREAS the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, a nonprofit 501c3 charitable organization; Leaders Against Pain Coalition and [Name of Your Support Group] and other groups around our country have joined together to advocate for fibromyalgia awareness, support, and a better future through research,  diagnosis,  education, and treatment; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, (Elected Official), by the authority vested in me by the laws of (governing body), do hereby proclaim May 12, 20__, as

FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY

Across the (city, state, nation), and I urge all citizens to support the search for a cure and assist those individuals and families who deal with this devastating illness on a daily basis.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of (governing body) this ____ day of _____, in the year of 20__.