{"id":23717,"date":"2026-04-02T11:08:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T15:08:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fibrocanada.ca\/?p=23717"},"modified":"2026-04-07T08:14:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T12:14:48","slug":"2025-awareness-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/2025-awareness-week","title":{"rendered":"2025 Awareness Week"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_24_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_24_24_widescreen et_flex_column_24_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_0 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">2025 Awareness Week<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Awareness Week isn\u2019t for those with fibromyalgia, it\u2019s for those who don\u2019t have fibromyalgia, to help them understand what life is like for those of us who do have fibromyalgia. Awareness Week highlights the chronic pain, the overwhelming fatigue, and brain fog that affect our daily functioning, work, and quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Raising awareness helps employers recognize the effort it takes to\u00a0 just to show up for work, helps our family and friends understand that appearing \u201cokay\u201d doesn\u2019t mean we aren\u2019t in pain, and explains why socializing can be exhausting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Awareness Week also informs doctors, researchers, and policymakers about the prevalence of fibromyalgia and the need for support, research, and funding.<\/span><br \/><span>By speaking out and rai<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_1 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day # 1 - Trudy<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_0 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Chair Trudy, on is What Awareness Week &amp; how she copes with her FM\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vnh7FcfTUVA?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:00-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vnh7FcfTUVA?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Vnh7FcfTUVA\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/Vnh7FcfTUVA\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Chair Trudy, on is What Awareness Week &amp; how she copes with her FM\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Trudy Flynn, Chair of the Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC), introduces Fibromyalgia Awareness Week and the \u201cFresh Start September\u201d theme, focused on self-care and self-management. Throughout the week, FAC Board Members will share how they cope with fibromyalgia, alongside announcements, a peer support session (mindfulness and Qigong), and a roundtable with healthcare professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Trudy shares her personal strategies for managing fibromyalgia, emphasizing the importance of consistent sleep routines, regular (but paced) exercise, and maintaining a positive mindset. She highlights the impact of diet and avoiding allergens, as well as the need for relaxation and stress management to prevent flares. Activities like music, podcasts, and gardening help her relax, though she stresses pacing to avoid overexertion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Overall, her message encourages individuals to find what works best for them, prioritize self-care, and adapt activities to support their well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_2 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day 2 - Sherry<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_1 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Vice Chair, Sherry, on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EGVg8f4aj98?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:00-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EGVg8f4aj98?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=EGVg8f4aj98\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/EGVg8f4aj98\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Vice Chair, Sherry, on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Sherry, Vice Chair of the Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC), shares how she manages fibromyalgia by adapting her self-care to two phases: flare-ups and \u201cdoing okay\u201d days. She emphasizes that even on better days, she experiences baseline pain and focuses on preventing flares.<\/span><br \/><span>During flares, her key strategies include planning ahead, avoiding overloading herself, saying no to activities, using a self-care kit (like migraine supports, comfort items, and rest), and\u2014most importantly\u2014asking for help and communicating her needs.<\/span><br \/><span>On better days, she continues to prioritize planning, setting boundaries (like limiting in-person commitments), pacing tasks, and breaking activities into manageable steps. She also incorporates short, gentle exercise sessions, which help reduce pain over time.<\/span><br \/><span>Overall, her approach highlights the importance of pacing, flexibility, self-compassion, and building routines that support both physical and emotional well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_3 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day # 3 - Mary<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_2 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Treasurer, Mary, on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tNBEMfttXgo?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:01-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tNBEMfttXgo?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=tNBEMfttXgo\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/tNBEMfttXgo\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Treasurer, Mary, on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><table class=\"table table-striped table-bordered table-hover\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<div class=\"ckeditor-images-content-prepare\">\n<div class=\"fieldtype_textarea_wysiwyg\">Mary, a board member of the Fibromyalgia Association Canada, shares that coping with fibromyalgia has required significant life adjustments and acceptance. She focuses on aligning her daily activities with her limitations, emphasizing self-care and planning ahead to reduce strain.<\/p>\n<p>Key strategies include setting realistic expectations (\u201cgood enough\u201d instead of perfection), managing sensory overload, pacing activities, and resting when needed. She also uses mobility aids and supports like a shower chair, cane, or walker when necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, her approach centers on acceptance, listening to her body, and adapting her lifestyle to maintain balance and well-being.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_4 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day 4 - Lina<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_3 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Board Member Lina on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uC8SIW_yoTo?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:01-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uC8SIW_yoTo?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uC8SIW_yoTo&amp;#038;feature=youtu.be\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/uC8SIW_yoTo\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Board Member Lina on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Lina, a board member of Fibromyalgia Association Canada, shares a holistic approach to managing fibromyalgia, focusing on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Physically, Lina adapts her activity levels based on the season and how she feels each day, incorporating gentle stretching, simple exercises, and daily activities like gardening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Mentally, she manages stress and anxiety by staying connected with others and engaging in uplifting activities, especially spending time in nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Spiritually, she finds the greatest support through her faith, community, and time in nature, which bring her peace, purpose, and joy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Overall, her approach emphasizes flexibility, self-awareness, and nurturing all aspects of well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_5 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day # 5 - Janice<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_4 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Board Member Janice on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6dAme_gKw_E?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:01-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6dAme_gKw_E?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/6dAme_gKw_E?si=kIIz3a0_gTwcbzjD\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/6dAme_gKw_E\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Board Member Janice on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Janice Sumpton from London, Ontario, shares her experience living with fibromyalgia since 2005. Receiving a diagnosis allowed her to learn about the condition, empowering her to manage symptoms and educate others, including medical staff.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>She emphasizes the importance of self-education, sharing knowledge, and seeking reliable information. Janice has adapted her lifestyle by giving up physically demanding activities while discovering new coping strategies, like knitting for relaxation and creative distraction, spending time in nature, and maintaining a consistent sleep-wake routine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Her approach highlights staying curious, exploring enjoyable activities, pacing oneself, and resting as needed to manage daily life with fibromyalgia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_6 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day 6 - Natasha<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_5 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&amp;apos;s Board Member, Natasha on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lLR1CUWmP9Q?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:01-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lLR1CUWmP9Q?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/lLR1CUWmP9Q?si=Q-Qkt2TsUAITsuud\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/lLR1CUWmP9Q\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada&apos;s Board Member, Natasha on How She Copes with her Fibromyalgia.\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Natasha Flynn, a board member of\u00a0 Fibromyalgia Association Canada, shares her strategies for living with fibromyalgia. Her primary coping method is gentle, paced exercise, such as walking, interval running, swimming, using a sliding elliptical, and light weights, adjusted daily based on how she feels. She emphasizes pacing, recognizing limits, and restarting each day with a fresh mindset.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Natasha also highlights the importance of mindset: staying positive, accepting that some days will be harder, and using music or TV to make activity easier.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Social pacing and consistent effort help prevent flares and maintain energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Overall, she focuses on adapting activities, staying active within her limits, and maintaining a positive outlook to manage fibromyalgia and enjoy life.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_7 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day # 7 - Website announcement<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_6 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83e\udd8bExciting News! \ud83e\udd8b \/  \ud83e\udd8bNouvelle excitante!\ud83e\udd8b\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wQmL20JOwwc?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:02-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wQmL20JOwwc?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/wQmL20JOwwc?si=QwRn23IlgukPtOPF\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/wQmL20JOwwc\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"\ud83e\udd8bExciting News! \ud83e\udd8b \/  \ud83e\udd8bNouvelle excitante!\ud83e\udd8b\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Trudy, Chair of the Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC), and Sherry, Vice-Chair and web developer, used Fibromyalgia Awareness Week to announce the launch of FAC\u2019s new website at fibrocanada.ca.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Sherry highlighted key features: a refreshed homepage, easy navigation, a translation option (French), search functionality, a menu with organized resources, upcoming events, and members-only content like peer support sessions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The website includes educational resources for the public and healthcare professionals, updated fact sheets, research summaries, and a FAQ section.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Trudy and Sherry\u00a0also explained how Canadians can join FAC for free, access member benefits, and volunteer on committees with an onboarding process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Trudy and Sherry emphasized exploring the site, the new flare kit (upcoming update), and the wealth of resources available. They concluded by congratulating the web development team and teased that a second major announcement would be coming soon.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column_12_24_tabletWide et_flex_column_12_24_widescreen et_flex_column_12_24_ultraWide preset--module--divi-column--default\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_heading_8 et_pb_heading et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-heading--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_heading_container\"><h1 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Day 8 - Charity Status and Wrap up<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_video_7 et_pb_video et_pb_module et_flex_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_video_box\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83e\udd8bExciting News! \ud83e\udd8b \/ \ud83e\udd8bNouvelle excitante!\ud83e\udd8b # 2\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vU-KZHNPhV8?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n<template data-arve_cachetime=\"2026-05-23T14:40:02-04:00\" data-arve_iframe_src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vU-KZHNPhV8?feature=oembed\" data-arve_url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/vU-KZHNPhV8?si=RFOysDt3npSUTV0_\" data-author_name=\"Fibromyalgia Association Canada\" data-author_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@FibromyalgiaAssociationCanada\" data-height=\"608\" data-provider=\"youtube\" data-provider_name=\"YouTube\" data-provider_url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\" data-thumbnail_height=\"360\" data-thumbnail_url=\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/vU-KZHNPhV8\/hqdefault.jpg\" data-thumbnail_width=\"480\" data-title=\"\ud83e\udd8bExciting News! \ud83e\udd8b \/ \ud83e\udd8bNouvelle excitante!\ud83e\udd8b # 2\" data-type=\"video\" data-version=\"1.0\" data-width=\"1080\" class=\"arve-data\"><\/template><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span>Trudy, Chair of the Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC), marked the close of Fibromyalgia Awareness Week by emphasizing that the week\u2019s purpose is to educate the public, employers, families, and policymakers about the daily challenges of living with fibromyalgia\u2014chronic pain, fatigue, brain fog, and social limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Raising awareness helps improve understanding, care, and advocacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>She highlighted FAC\u2019s achievements: the launch of the refreshed, user-friendly website (fibrocanada.ca) and FAC\u2019s new charity status, allowing the organization to issue tax receipts to donors, expand outreach, and strengthen support for Canadians living with fibromyalgia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Trudy also announced upcoming community events:<\/span><br \/><span>Sept 16: First peer support\/mindfulness session with Lynne Hearte Qigong instructor).<\/span><br \/><span>Sept 23: Roundtable with Andrea Furlan (physiatrist), Tyler Dillman (physiotherapist), and Eleanor McGroaty (psychologist) on fibromyalgia self-management.<\/span><br \/><span>Oct 1: Fibro chat on self-management with Lynn Cooper and Trudy.<\/span><br \/><span>Oct 8: Presentation on insomnia and non-medication sleep strategies with David Gardner (Dalhousie University).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Trudy encouraged members to sign up via the new website, thanked the community for their engagement, and reinforced that FAC is building a strong, supportive community for people living with fibromyalgia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Awareness Week isn\u2019t for those with fibromyalgia, it\u2019s for those who don\u2019t have fibromyalgia, to help them understand what life is like for those of us who do have fibromyalgia<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":966,"featured_media":23749,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pmpro_default_level":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-awareness-week","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23717","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/966"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23717"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23717\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23741,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23717\/revisions\/23741"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23717"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23717"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fibrocanada.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23717"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}