Urging the citizens of Philadelphia to support the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign during the month of May, 2000.

WHEREAS, An estimated 6 - 8,000,000 people in the United States, 3-6% of the people in the City of Philadelphia, and millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FM), a disease for which, there is no cause and no known cure; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness, increasing at epidemic rates, which causes fatigue and debilitating pain of a magnitude worse than rheumatoid arthritis, among women, men and children of all races and ages; and

WHEREAS, Patients of this illness have to learn to live with a multitude of painful effects that include: widespread pain in muscles, joint and ligaments; extreme fatigue, insomnia, stiffness and weakness; migraine headaches, numbness and impairment of memory and concentration; and

WHEREAS, It often takes an average of five years for a person with fibromyalgia to receive a diagnosis because medical professionals aren't adequately educated and updated on FM and the newest research findings concerning this disease; and

WHEREAS, It is necessary that we recognize and accept the medical research, which has proven biochemical abnormalities in people with fibromyalgia; and

WHEREAS, People with fibromyalgia face discrimination from employers, friends and even family, and must deal with the ongoing stress of living with an unpredictable disease with uncertain futures; and

WHEREAS, If employers would support their employees with FM by making changes to the work environment, FM victims could continue to function at work and not have to file for disability; and

WHEREAS, The National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign and Fibromyalgia Support Groups around our country, have joined together to promote fibromyalgia awareness, support for people with fibromyalgia and advocate the need for improved education and research to insure quicker diagnosis and improved treatment; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Philadelphia City Council does hereby urge all citizens to join in the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign in order to support and assist those individuals and families who deal with this devastating disease on a daily basis.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to our local representative to the National Fibromyalgia Awareness Campaign, Mrs. Jacquelyn Parazzo, as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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