Media
Past stories featuring Sharon Waldrop can be seen on our News Page.
Sharon is the President and Founder of the Fibromyalgia Association of Michigan, and she is a Board Certified Chronic Pain Management Health & Wellness Coach. She has been invited to represent and advocate for patients at PCORI (Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute), OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology), Cochrane, and more. She was recognized by Wego Health as a “Top 10 Lifetime Achievement Patient Leader.” After being diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1996 at the age of 24, she became bed-ridden. Sharon is determined to connect fibromyalgia patients with the help they need and to share the steps she has taken to reclaim her life. She has produced over 300 educational programs for people with fibromyalgia and their loved ones. Her first career was in Public Relations and she has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Public Relations from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Press Releases
For Immediate Release
April 17, 2023
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is May 12
Fibromyalgia Awareness Day is observed internationally on May 12. The goal of the day is to raise community awareness for the misunderstood chronic pain illness and help patients and their families live better with the complex and potentially disabling illness. Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes pain, fatigue, disordered sleep, cognitive difficulties, and a combination of other symptoms.
“I was diagnosed in 1996 at the age of 24,” says Fibromyalgia Association of Michigan President & Founder Sharon Waldrop. “I went from being very energetic to bed-ridden in a matter of months. Sadly, there is no one quick fix or pill that will manage fibromyalgia. Thriving with fibromyalgia requires employing many strategies.
Fibromyalgia (pronounced fie-bro-my-AL-ja) challenges patients and healthcare providers alike. Fibromyalgia experts estimate that 10 million (2-4%) Americans suffer with fibromyalgia. While it is most common in women, fibromyalgia also strikes men and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds worldwide. For those with severe symptoms, the illness can be extremely debilitating and interfere with routine daily activities. People with fibromyalgia typically have multiple chronic overlapping pain conditions, and many people have co-existing depression and anxiety.
The Fibromyalgia Association of Michigan is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization serving Michigan and beyond. Their goal, improving lives through support, education, and advocacy. The Association grew out of a Support & Education Group Sharon Waldrop founded in 1997, just one year after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The Support Group celebrates 26 years of service this year. For more information please visit famichigan.org.
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