In celebration of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, May 12, local charity, Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation is encouraging the community to get involved with two different events this month to help raise awareness of this chronic, “invisible” illness.
The first event, the second annual “Free Us From Fibro” FUN-raising and Fibromyalgia Awareness Walk, is on Saturday, May 9, starting at noon.
The second event is the Foundation’s seventh annual fibromyalgia celebration dinner, on Tuesday, May 12.
The 1950s and ’60s style gala event at Newland’s Golf & Country Club, starts at 5 p.m.
Fibromyalgia affects approximately six per cent of the population. FWSF is the only charity in the Lower Mainland that is dedicated to assisting those in the community who have fibromyalgia.
The Foundation has helped more than 700 members in the past eight years, and operates on a shoestring budget, primarily with volunteer power, to run their many programs, including counselling, 24-hour crisis support, outreach support, distribution of supplemental food hampers to those in hardship, plus assisting with applications for disability/medical insurance, and peer support online.
The Foundation operates a Thrift Shoppe in downtown Langley, to help with awareness and fundraising, where their office is also located.
All funds raised go directly for Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation’s programs and support group members.
On May 9, join FWSF and walk to raise awareness and “Free Us From Fibro!” The five-km walk starts at noon, and the 1.2-km “walk around the block” will set off at 1 p.m. Both routes start from FWSF’s office/thrift shoppe at #109-20631 Fraser Hwy. Call the FWSF Office at 778-278-3697 to register, and get your sponsorship form.
May 12, dress up in your poodle skirt, saddle shoes, or jeans and your favourite T-shirt, for the “Fibromyalgia Celebration Dinner”a gala event in support of national Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and enjoy a catered gourmet buffet dinner and a nostalgic night of fundraising, including a reception and silent auction.
It begins at 5 p.m. with dinner and a fashion show by Angelic Visions at 6 p.m. Later, groove to “A Guilty Pleasure” with Joanne Chiasson and Friends. Contact FWSF Office at 778-278-3697 for more information and tickets, or online at www.fibromyalgiawellspringfoundation.org.
Donations gratefully accepted, tax receipts issued for gifts over $25.