WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic illness which causes fatigue, cognitive problems, and debilitating pain in women, men, and children of all ages and races; and

WHEREAS, Over 4,000,000 people in the United States, 2 to 4 percent of the population, and millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, an illness for which there is no known cure; and

WHEREAS, Fibromyalgia takes an average of three to five years to diagnose; and

WHEREAS, Existing public information, medical education, research, and resources to properly serve patients with Fibromyalgia remain inadequately disseminated and are insufficient to address the needs of specific diverse populations and underserved groups; and

WHEREAS, Children and young adults can suffer from Fibromyalgia, and these patients endure unique challenges because they not only struggle with the symptoms of this illness, but also from a lack of understanding and social acceptance; and

WHEREAS, Increased public awareness, education, and research are the key to winning the battle against Fibromyalgia; and

WHEREAS, The Support Fibromyalgia Network and Looms for Lupus have joined together to advocate for Fibromyalgia awareness and support, and to work towards a better future for research, treatment, diagnosis, and education about this illness; now, therefore, be it